The Comrades Marathon, a renowned ultramarathon held in South Africa, is known for its exceptional participants and amazing stories. This year, an exciting new legend is set to emerge with 81-year-old Johannes Maros Mosehla attempting to surpass Wally Hayward’s long-standing record as the oldest person to complete the race, which has remained unbeaten for 34 years.
Johannes Mosehla, an enthusiastic member of the Polokwane Athletic Club, is familiar with the rigorous demands of the Comrades Marathon, having completed the race nine times. He is set to embark on his tenth run on Sunday, 11 June, a remarkable achievement that will place him in the esteemed Green Number club and make him the oldest member of this elite group.
Mosehla’s impressive performance in the 2022 Comrades Marathon, where he completed the race in 11 hours, 31 minutes, and 27 seconds, showcased his incredible resilience and determination. This year, he aims to push his limits even further and aims for a sub-10-hour finish. He attributes his outstanding fitness to three key disciplines: mindful eating, sufficient sleep, and carefully choosing his company.
The 96th edition of the Comrades Marathon, taking place on Sunday, 11 June 2023, will undoubtedly be a memorable event. The race, which begins at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05:30 and finishes at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, attracts participants from around the world, each with their unique stories and motivations. This year’s “down” run, the 48th of its kind, will see thousands of runners embark on the challenging 12-hour journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
Among these determined athletes stands Johannes Mosehla, wearing race number 55651, who will command the attention and admiration of spectators and fellow competitors alike as he sets out to break Hayward’s longstanding record. The world is eagerly anticipating this extraordinary individual, eager to witness history in the making.
Mosehla’s inspiring story is a testament to the influence of determination, discipline, and passion. Unfazed by age, he continues to push himself towards remarkable accomplishments, etching his name forever in the Comrades Marathon’s history. As he prepares to tackle the race once more, Mosehla embodies the indomitable spirit of the ultramarathon, demonstrating that age is just a number and that the human spirit can transcend boundaries.
The Comrades Marathon, with its rich history and role as a platform for extraordinary feats, continues to captivate the imagination of athletes and spectators alike. As the world watches, the stage is set for Johannes Mosehla to smash yet another record, reaffirming the timeless appeal of this iconic event and writing a new chapter in the marathon’s storied legacy.
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