Latest news with #GreenNumberClub
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Comrades Marathon FEEL GOOD: Oldest finisher sets a NEW record
Comrades Marathon legend Wally Hayward's record as the oldest person to complete the iconic race fell back in 2023 having stood for 34 years. When then 81-year-old Johannes Maros Mosehla crossed the finish line that year at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead, he broke Hayward's record as the oldest competitor to complete the ultra-marathon. Hayward ran 10:58:03 in 1989 when he was 80, coincidently the same year that Frith van der Merwe set the then women's 'down' record of 5:54:43. Mosehla, who represents Polokwane Athletic Club, was running in his 10th Comrades Marathon, which also made him by far the oldest person to join the prestigious Green Number Club. He was the oldest finisher of the 2022 event by six years in a more-than-respectable time of 11:31:27. A year later he confirmed he was in 'much better shape' and duly crossed the line in an impressive 9:26:10, a time that was faster than well over half of the field! Fast forward two years and Mosehla was back on the start line in Pietermaritzburg last Sunday in an attempt to break his own 'oldest ever Comrades Marathon finisher' record. And that's exactly what he did, crossing the finish line in a time of 11:47:27 – at the age of 83. As for what keeps him fit and healthy, Mosehla listed three main disciplines: watch what you eat watch how much sleep you get, and watch who you sleep with! Sunday's 98th Comrades Marathon started outside the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05:30 and ended 12 hours – and 89.98km – later at People's Park in Durban. It was the 49th 'down' run. South Africa's Tete Dijana won the men's race by just five seconds from Dutchman Piet Wiersma. In the women's race, Gerda Steyn, the darling of South African ultra-distance running, won for a third consecutive year – and fourth time overall. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Pastor running towards his 21st Comrades Marathon
Keseval Munsamy, a pastor from Phoenix, who received his double green number for his 20th Comrades Marathon last year, aspires to complete two more runs before turning 60. 'I want to finish my last race, the 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon, in 2027. That is four months before my 60th birthday. After that, I will still participate in shorter races to keep my running career going because running has always been a part of my life,' said Munsamy. He received his first green number in 2012. A green number is awarded to runners who have completed 10 or more Comrades and is permanently allocated for all future races. Munsamy got his Double Green Number Club in 2024 after successfully completing 20 Comrades Marathons. He started running while in school and entered his first Comrades Marathon at age 23 and joined Woodview Athletics Club. 'I loved running and athletics at school, so naturally, when I finished school, it was a no-brainer for me to progress into running competitively,' said Munsamy. "The first race in 1991 was an up-hill run. I completed it in 9 hours and 11 minutes. At that stage, I was young and naïve. I had no clear plan. I just wanted to compete. However, I was strong and finished at a good time.' He took time off and returned in 1994 where he completed the Comrades Marathon in 8 hours and 45 minutes. 'This time, I ensured I was ready and ran with a purpose. I had more experience and knew what to expect. I was proud that I reached the finish line at such a good time. "I did not run in 1995 and in 1996, when I returned, I was unable to complete the race. Life was busy that year. My children were young and we were building a house, so I had no time to train. When it comes to the Comrades Marathon, you have to train regularly. It has to be taken seriously." Over the years, he competed whenever he could while taking breaks in between the years. In preparation for Sunday's event, Munsamy runs 60km a week and eats healthy. "You have to look after your body and your mind. You need mental endurance to finish this race." THE POST
