Johannes Mosehla, an 83-year-old from Polokwane, South Africa, made history at the 2025 Comrades Marathon by breaking his record as the oldest person to complete the gruelling 90-kilometre run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. He crossed the finish line on Sunday in 11:47:10, 13 minutes under the 12-hour cutoff.
This year marked Mosehla’s 11th finish at the world’s largest ultramarathon. To put his achievement in perspective, he maintained an average pace of seven minutes and 31 seconds per kilometre throughout the 90 km.
Mosehla first set the record as the oldest finisher in 2023, at age 81. Although this year’s time was nearly two hours slower than his previous time, he had some room for comfort under the official cutoff. Mosehla remains the only octogenarian to finish the Comrades Marathon three times.
When asked if he plans to run again, Mosehla told reporters he’s not even thinking about retiring, as his body is still fresh and healthy.
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After he set the record in 2023, he shared the secret to running ultramarathons in his 80s. And by no surprise, he says it’s consistent training. “You can’t win without training,” he said. Mosehla, who has been running since 1963 (when he was 21), continues to train three times a week, covering distances from five to 30 kilometres.
The Comrades Marathon alternates annually between the “down” course, run this year from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, and the “up” course, which reverses the route.
[WATCH] Record breaker and oldest #ComradesMarathon finisher, 83-year-old Johannes Mosehla from Sekhukhune in Limpopo, receives his trophy. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/euElvVQC4W
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 9, 2025
This year’s race was won by South Africa’s Tete Dijana, who took home his third victory in 5:25:28, and Gerda Steyn, securing her fourth victory with a time of 5:51:19.
The 2027 race will mark the Comrades Marathon’s 100th anniversary.
