It is raining accolades for Comrades Marathon oldest finisher Ntate Johannes Maros Mosehla. The 83-year-old runner is reaping the rewards of his hard work after a race that was named after him held its first marathon last week.
The inaugural Johannes Mosehla Challenge saw runners of all shapes and form take part in the 5km, 15km, and 32km races. The race is both the initiative and funded by the Polokwane Athletics Club.
Mosehla participated in the 32km and finished the race.
He hails from Ga-Mogashoa village outside Jane Furse in Sekhukhune district in Limpopo and he made history in the Comrades Marathon by breaking his record as the oldest
finisher, crossing the finish line in 11 hours, 47 minutes, and 27 seconds, just over 12 minutes ahead of the official cut-off.
Last week, Limpopo MEC for sport, arts and culture, Jerry Maseko, crowned Mosehla as the province’s Sport Star of the Year for 2025 at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Meropa Casino. Mosehla’s extraordinary sporting journey was finally recognised on home soil at the prestigious Limpopo Sport and Recreation Awards held in Polokwane.
He was the standout figure of the evening, with the accolade recognising not only his achievements over the past year but also a career that has redefined age, resilience, and human limits in sport.
Not so long ago, in July, Mosehla was honoured for his contribution and bestowed with the Devoted Citizen Mzila Endurance Leader Award for his record-breaking exploits at the Comrades Marathon last year.
He was presented with a trophy and R100 000 in prize money by Devoted Citizen, a civil society NGO that falls under the auspices of the Hope Restoration Ministries of Rev Chris Mathebula.
The Runners of Hope Athletics Club and other local club members gave the stocky Mosehla a guard of honour. They also gave him a standing ovation when he ascended the stage.
According to Polokwane Athletics Club chairman Thabana Mokgohloa, the maiden Johannes Mosehla Challenge attracted an impressive 1,200 participants: “It was the first edition of the race, and it was a huge success.”
“We [Polokwane Athletics Club] raised the funds via our members’ affiliation and operational costs. “We also worked with local businesses – Jaguar provided us with the leading cars, and Meropa Casino gave winners holiday weekend away vouchers,” said Mokgohloa.
Indeed the old man deserves to be celebrated. Thanks to Runners of Hope for paving the way in recognizing the old man talent and encouraging others to excel in the sports they love.
What an inspiration to us the younger generation. Ntate is the epitome of you are never too old to start anything in life. Thank you Runners of Hope, Devoted Citizens, Hope Restoration Ministries for honoring this legend 🙌🏼🙏🤏🏽. He deserves all the attention and recognition he is receiving.