Premier Mathabatha Acknowledges Oldest Comrades Marathon Runner, Johannes Mosehla
The Premier of Limpopo, Mr Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, led an intimate function in Ga-Mogashoa village in Sekhukhune to acknowledge the exploits and accomplishments of Johannes Mosehla, the oldest man at 81 years old to finish the iconic Comrades Marathon in 2023.
Mr Mosehla has been running marathons since 1974 and joined the Polokwane Athletics Club in 1980. Despite starting his running journey late in life, he has run many marathons, including the international Comrades race.
Speaking at the function, Mosehla said: “My journey is huge and long. I don’t do this for myself, I do this for my children, for my village, district, and the province to be proud of me. I run for my country since Comrades is an international race.”
Mosehla broke the 34-year-old record by being the oldest person to finish the Comrades Marathon when he ran the race in June 2023. With his finishing time of 9 hours 26 minutes and 10 seconds (9:26:10) he also broke the record previously held by Wally Hayward.
Premier Mathabatha praised Mr Mosehla for his dedication and determination, saying, “We are proud of you, Mr Mosehla. Your spirit and drive are an inspiration to us all. We acknowledge your hard work and perseverance and the role you have played in promoting Limpopo as a hub for sporting excellence.”
The Premier’s acknowledgement of Mr Mosehla’s accomplishment is a testament to the Limpopo Provincial Government’s commitment to encouraging and supporting sports and recreation in the province.
The Premier further said that since the visit was a house call to get to meet Mosehla, the Provincial Government through the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will still have other functions wherein they will acknowledge the Comrades Marathon hero.
Mosehla’s perseverance and dedication to running serve as an inspiration to others, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
