Running News Daily

Some records are measured in minutes and seconds. Others are measured in courage, perseverance, and an unwavering belief that age should never define human potential.

At 84 years old, South Africa's Johannes Mosehla has once again achieved what many thought impossible, becoming the oldest finisher in the history of the Comrades Marathon for a third consecutive time. Crossing the finish line in an impressive 11:12:27, Mosehla completed the gruelling ultramarathon with nearly 50 minutes to spare before the official cutoff, proving that determination can outlast time itself.

The remarkable athlete from Polokwane, Limpopo, continues to redefine the limits of endurance. Having already set the age record at 81 in 2023 and extended it at 83 in 2025, he has now raised the bar once more at 84, adding another unforgettable chapter to one of the most inspiring stories in distance running.

Yet Mosehla's journey to Comrades greatness began long before his record-breaking finishes. He first discovered his passion for running in 1963 as a 21-year-old young man with big dreams. However, the social realities of the era denied him opportunities that many runners take for granted today. During the early 1980s, black athletes were not permitted to participate in the Comrades Marathon, forcing him to put his ambitions on hold.

Rather than allowing disappointment to defeat him, Mosehla remained patient. He continued running, joined the Polokwane Athletic Club, and quietly prepared for the day when his opportunity would finally come.

When that chance arrived, he embraced it wholeheartedly.

Since making his Comrades debut, Mosehla has become a symbol of consistency and resilience. Remarkably, he has completed every Comrades Marathon he has entered since 2016, a streak that reflects not only physical endurance but also extraordinary discipline and commitment.

His approach remains refreshingly simple. He trains three times a week to keep his body strong while allowing adequate recovery. Despite tackling one of the world's most demanding ultramarathons, he believes in working smart rather than chasing excessive mileage.

Asked about the race itself, Mosehla admits he prefers the famous Down Run, joking that he performs better because he is lighter. Even after decades of running, the notorious Polly Shorts climb remains his toughest challenge, a reminder that every athlete, regardless of age or experience, still faces obstacles to overcome.

What stands out most, however, is his attitude toward the future. While many people his age have long since retired from competitive sport, Mosehla has no intention of stepping away. When asked about retirement, his response was simple and powerful: he is not thinking about it.

That mindset may be the secret behind his enduring success.

In an era obsessed with youth, Johannes Mosehla offers a different perspective. His story is not merely about running marathons; it is about patience rewarded, barriers overcome, and the refusal to surrender dreams despite the passage of time.

At 84, he is still moving forward, still inspiring thousands, and still proving that greatness has no expiration date.

Johannes Mosehla is more than a Comrades finisher. He is a living reminder that the human spirit remains strongest when it refuses to give up.

Age may slow the clock, but it does not have to limit ambition. At 90 years old, Bill Schwarz has achieved something many runners spend a lifetime pursuing—completing his first marathon.

On May 31, Schwarz took on the full 26.2-mile challenge at the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, embarking on a journey that was never about pace, rankings, or finishing inside the official cutoff time. For him, there was only one goal: cover the entire distance.

More than nine hours after starting, Schwarz was still moving forward. While the official race clock had long stopped, he continued until his watch confirmed he had completed every mile of the marathon course. That was the achievement that mattered most.

Schwarz’s remarkable accomplishment is made even more inspiring by the life he has led. A retired engineer, he once contributed to the Apollo space program, helping design components that played a role in humanity’s journey to the moon. Decades later, he is still proving that exploration and perseverance know no age limit.

Unlike many people in their later years, Schwarz takes no medication and has never undergone a joint replacement. Running first entered his life in the 1950s when he was a high school student. What began as a practical way to balance his interests eventually became something much deeper. Over the years, he stepped away from the sport and returned to it several times, describing running as a form of meditation that brings clarity and peace.

The marathon dream gained new meaning following the loss of his wife, Janice, two and a half years ago. Searching for purpose and direction during a difficult period, Schwarz registered for a local 5K race. That single event reignited his passion for movement and personal challenge.

One race led to another. A 5K became a half marathon. Then another half marathon. Soon, he had completed five. Last year, he walked and ran 60 miles along Spain’s historic Camino de Santiago over six days. The experience convinced him that his body was capable of tackling an even greater challenge—the marathon.

Determined to give himself every opportunity to succeed, Schwarz committed fully to preparation. He trained approximately ten hours each week with the support of a strength coach, running coach, stretch trainer, and Pilates instructor. Along the way, he lost 40 pounds and embraced a data-driven approach to training, monitoring his effort through heart-rate zones and using modern technology to help plan his nutrition strategy.

On race day, he was not alone. A friend of his daughter accompanied him throughout the entire journey, providing encouragement and companionship over every mile of the demanding course.

Yet, despite finally conquering his first marathon at an age when most people have long retired from athletic pursuits, Schwarz is not finished dreaming.

His sights are already set on the next challenge: the Boston Marathon. The oldest official finisher in the race’s storied history was 84 years old, meaning Schwarz could potentially rewrite the record books if he reaches the starting line and completes the course.

Before taking on San Diego, he summed up his philosophy with a simple but powerful statement:

"My objective is to finish. And whatever time it takes, it's going to be wonderful."

That mindset carried him through 26.2 miles and into marathon history. More importantly, it delivered a message that resonates far beyond running: goals do not have an expiration date, and it is never too late to pursue a dream.

Wow,  so many big time marathons being held over just a few weeks.  Next up is the Boston Marathon.

This year’s race on October 11 will be the first fall edition of the Boston Marathon, and first time the race is held outside of its traditional Patriots’ Day date in April. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the race was postponed from its usual third-Monday-in-April date to October 11. This will be the first in-person Boston Marathon in 910 days, as the 2020 edition was held as a virtual experience in September, 2020. This year’s race falls on October 11, which is International Day of the Girl and also increasingly recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in cities and towns along the marathon route.

Here is everything you need to know:

COMPOSITION OF THE FIELD

18,252 total entrants of the in-person 125th Boston Marathon

3,492 entrants from Massachusetts 

16,441 entrants residing in the United States of America 

104 countries represented by participants in the Boston Marathon

All 50 U.S. states represented by participants in the Boston Marathon

Youngest entrants: 18 years old, Enchee Xu, Conor Beswick, Rachel Calderone, and Angel Robles, all of Massachusetts

Oldest entrant: 84 years old, Volkert Bobeldijk of Canada

28,612 total entrants of the Virtual 125th Boston Marathon (October 8-10)

HEALTH & SAFETY

This year’s field size has been reduced by 36% compared to recent years (from 31,500 entrants to 20,000) 

In an effort to enhance social distancing and minimize wait times, Athletes’ Village has been eliminated in Hopkinton this year and a rolling start has been introduced for the first time in race history.

95% of all Boston Marathon volunteers are vaccinated.

100% of Boston Marathon medical volunteers are vaccinated. 

All participants are required to provide proof of a WHO-recognized vaccination OR a produce a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of bus loading. 

A health and safety bracelet will be provided after proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results are verified. The bracelet must be worn throughout race weekend and through the finish line. 

Masks are required indoors, on event transportation, and within the start area until participants cross the starting line. 

BY THE NUMBERS 

$876,500 in prize money will be awarded to top finishers by principal sponsor John Hancock. Included among the prize awards is $27,500 for Para Athletes. 

8,500 B.A.A. volunteers will contribute to this year’s Boston Marathon and race related events

26.2 miles (26 miles and 385 yards; 42.195 kilometers) will be run through eight cities and towns (Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Boston)

An estimated $20 million (USD) will be raised through the 125th Boston Marathon for charities as part of the B.A.A.’s Boston Marathon Official Charity Program and the John Hancock Non-Profit Program

FACES IN THE FIELD

13 Boston Marathon champions will be competing as part of the John Hancock Professional Athlete Team: Des Linden (USA/MI), Geoffrey Kirui (KEN), Edna Kiplagat (KEN), Lemi Berhanu (ETH), Lelisa Desisa (ETH), Atsede Baysa (ETH), Caroline Rotich (KEN), Daniel Romanchuk (USA/IL/Won the Chicago Marathon on Sunday), Manuela Schär (SUI), Marcel Hug (SUI), Tatyana McFadden (USA/MD/Won the Chicago Marathon on Sunday), Ernst van Dyk (RSA), and Joshua Cassidy (CAN). Additionally, 1968 winner Amby Burfoot will be running and serving as an official starter in Hopkinton.

Five 2020 Tokyo Paralympic gold medalists will be competing in Boston: reigning men’s wheelchair champion Daniel Romanchuk (gold in the 400m); two-time Boston winner and wheelchair course record holder Marcel Hug (800m, 1500m, 5000m, marathon); reigning women’s wheelchair champion and course record holder Manuela Schär (400m, 800m); five-time winner Tatyana McFadden (4x100m Universal Relay); and Japan’s Misato Michishita (T12 marathon).

Danica Patrick, NASCAR and Indy Car driver, will run for the Matt Light Foundation

James Develin, former New England Patriots fullback and Super Bowl champion, will run as part of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation 

Chris Nikic, the ESPY-award winning Ironman triathlete who in 2020 became the first person with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman triathlon, will race his first Boston Marathon.

Brian d’Arcy James, Broadway star in Shrek the Musical and Hamilton and actor in Spotlight, will race his first Boston Marathon. 

Ceremonial 125th Boston Marathon Grand Marshals include Boston Marathon champions Sara Mae Berman, Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Jack Fultz, and Meb Keflezighi, as well as healthcare workers from members of the Boston Marathon Official Charity Program and John Hancock Non-Profit Program. Frontline workers being honored include Meg Femino of Beth Israel Lahey Health; Martha Kaniaru of Spaulding Rehabilitation; Loren Aiello of Boston Children’s Hospital; Eric Goralnick of Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Christopher S. Lathan of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Mark Mullins of Tufts Medical Center; Anely Lopes of Boston Medical Center; and Susan Wilcox of Massachusetts General Hospital. The Grand Marshals will be driven the entire 26.2 miles in two Boston DUCK Boats, Back Bay Bertha and Catie Copley.

A pensioner from Hemel Hempstead is preparing to run his seventh London Marathon this weekend.

On Sunday, October 3, 84-year-old David Turner, from Boxmoor will be swapping his usual St John's Road training track for the full 26.2 miles of the Virgin Money London Marathon.

This will be David's seventh London Marathon, and he is raising money for the Arthur McCluskey Foundation, and the Mother's Village Orphanage in Bosnia.

The charity aims to help the people of Bosnia Herzegovina and relieve poverty and advance education whilst respecting varying religions and cultures.

David, who moved to Boxmoor in 1972 with his wife and four sons, started running the London Marathon's in 2010.

He said: "My wife, Rita, who was Chair of Governors at John F. Kennedy School, died in 1996, and I only took up running when I was 67.

"I'm so pleased this race is in October, so I'll only be 84.

"At the age of 84 years and 11 months, this must be my last London Marathon. I am running it again for Mother's Village Orphanage in Bosnia, because they still need help.

"Other catastrophes may make new headlines. But Bosnia Herzegovina has still not finished burying its dead, nor binding the wounds of its living.

"I feel good, I have ran the London Marathon before, and last year's one was different as it was virtual, so I ran around Boxmoor!

"I'm looking forward to it, and I'm hoping to raise as much money as possible for the charity. If you feel you can help me, thank you!

Pat Henry, director of Arthur McCluskey Foundation, said: "David is an example to the orphans and staff at Mother's Village.

"They see the huge efforts he makes to help them to survive. The pandemic caused havoc in their lives so your support is desperately needed."

(The following article was published in the Falmouth Enterprise Newspaper nine months ago written by  Paige Leahy.  This gives us good insights to a very special man.  We are sad to report that Tommy has passed away.) 

On Monday, April 16, 2018 the Quarterdeck Restaurant on Main Street, Falmouth, opened earlier than usual to celebrate Marathon Monday and the 122nd running of the Boston Marathon.

Inside the Main Street restaurant sat Tommy Leonard, a founder of the Falmouth Road Race and a celebrity among Boston Marathon runners.

Mr. Leonard sat at the last seat of the bar, the one farthest away from the door. This seat is known to be his. He rested his hands on the glossy wood, looking forward to one of the televisions displaying marathon coverage.

He wore a blue, windbreaker-style jacket with three white stripes down each arm. This was a Boston Marathon jacket from one of the many marathons he ran, upward of 20 of them. On top of his head was a black, nylon baseball cap that read “BOSTON.”

As patrons approached Mr. Leonard, all offering a hello and a pat on the back, he returned each greeting with a larger than life smile and thanked them for coming to celebrate one of Boston’s most notable athletic traditions. At 84 years of age, his mind and spirit remain sharp.

Behind the bar and all around the space were pieces of marathon memorabilia, many of which belong to or are in honor of Mr. Leonard. Since coming to work at the Quarterdeck as a bartender in 1998, he has called this restaurant home.

Prior to bartending on the Cape, Mr. Leonard worked at the now-closed Eliot Lounge in Boston on the corner of Massachusetts and Commonwealth avenues. The Eliot Lounge was once considered the unofficial finish line for the Boston Marathon, mostly due to the fact that Mr. Leonard held a weeklong celebration there for the marathon every year. Runners from across the globe would come together for a free pint with their bib at a bash to honor running for a cause. Over the years, both the Eliot and Mr. Leonard became marathon staples.

“Running has been good to me,” Mr. Leonard said, beginning to speak on what the iconic Boston event means to him while picking at a piece of banana bread. “I love the marathon with a passion that would probably shatter the foundation of the Bourne Bridge. It is my favorite weekend of the year—in the city you can see the magnolias and dogwoods really pop.”

Mr. Leonard ran his first Boston Marathon in 1953 while serving in the Marines. He fell in love with the sport while attending Westfield High School and ran with that love for years and many marathons more.

Despite his many feats and honors in the running community, including a bridge dedicated in his name just before the Boston Marathon finish line, and his all-around goodheartedness, a characteristic attributed to him by many, Mr. Leonard continues to shy away from the spotlight. He said that he receives too much credit—most all would disagree.

“I’ve had more than my share of days of glory,” Mr. Leonard said while staring off at an invisible, distant point. “It’s time to fade into the sunset.”