Veteran Runners Archives - Modern Athlete

By Adnaan Mohamed

The 2026 Comrades Marathon delivered many memorable performances on the gruelling 85.777km journey from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, though few stories captured the spirit of the race quite like those of Johannes Mosehla and Bailey O’Leary.

Separated by 64 years in age, the pair finished the 99th edition of the Ultimate Human Race as its oldest and youngest official finishers.

Mosehla, 84, crossed the line in 11:12:26 on Sunday to break his own record as the oldest finisher in Comrades history. In doing so, the Polokwane Running Club member finished ahead of thousands of runners many decades his junior.

The veteran runner, who began his running journey in 1963, said the achievement was a source of pride and gratitude.

“To be the oldest finisher at Comrades is a great honour,” said Mosehla.

“This race continues to inspire me every year. Running has given me so much throughout my life. I hope my journey encourages people to stay active, stay disciplined and keep chasing their goals regardless of age.”

Mosehla credits his remarkable longevity to consistency, moderation and a healthy lifestyle.

“You must listen to your body, eat well, rest properly and enjoy what you are doing. Running should bring happiness. I still love training in the mountains and spending time outdoors.”

While Mosehla represented experience and endurance, O’Leary embodied youthful ambition.

The 20-year-old, who lives in the United Kingdom and whose parents are both originally from Durban, finished her Comrades debut in 10:42:51 to become the youngest female finisher in this year’s race.

Her first Comrades was made even more special by sharing the journey with her father, Jon O’Leary.

***^{Proud dad Jon O’ Leary with his daughter Bailey O’ Leary at the Comrades Winners breakfast on Monday 15 June 2026. Photo: Adnaan Mohamed}***

“I grew up supporting my dad and listening to stories about Comrades,” said Bailey.

“He inspired my love for the race and it was always my dream to run my first Comrades with him. He helped me a lot, especially in the first half, and crossing the finish line was incredibly special.”

For Jon, the day was about far more than another medal.

“It was one of the proudest moments of my life,” he said.

“Comrades means so much to our family. To see Bailey achieve her goal and share the experience with her from start to finish was unforgettable.”

As the Comrades Marathon prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2027, both runners have already confirmed their intention to return.

Mosehla will aim to extend his remarkable record, while O’Leary hopes to secure a special back-to back medal awarded to novices for consecutive finishes.

^{Bailey O’ Leary in action on the 2026 Comrades Marathon Up Run Route Photo: Supplied}

Their stories served as a powerful reminder that Comrades remains a race where generations meet, dreams endure and the finish line belongs to anyone willing to keep moving forward.

By Adnaan Mohamed

At the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, the Blue Number Club (BNC) is living proof that endurance doesn’t fade, it evolves. In 2026, more than 3 100 BNC members will line up across the Ultra and Half Marathon, turning the race route into a moving celebration of longevity, resilience and love for the run.

Among them are 16 Half Marathon runners in their 80s, 49 Ultra runners in their 70s, and 147 Half Marathoners also in their 70s, alongside 743 runners aged 60–69. These athletes don’t chase the clock, they outlast it, running on experience as much as fitness.

“The BNC continues to show that the spirit of running knows no age,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “With members in their 60s, 70s and even 80s taking on the Ultra and Half Marathon, it’s incredible to see such dedication, perseverance, and passion inspiring runners of all generations.”

Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon General Manager Wade Bromfield adds: “This year, more than a third of our BNC runners are aged 60 and above, including remarkable athletes in their 70s and 80s. Their commitment is a true testament to the power of endurance, resilience, and the joy of running, proving that age is never a barrier to chasing your goals.”

BNC Profiles to Watch

Kaare James (82) – Half Marathon

A walking and running archive of Two Oceans history, James owns an extraordinary 41 medals and has lined up at every edition since 1980, bar the two COVID-cancelled years. After earning his Light Blue Number in 2025, he returns in 2026 wearing number 2338.

“It’s a privilege to be one of the oldest BNCs in 2026,” says James. “I don’t have any secret to staying strong, I just make sure to get an early night and don’t eat too much before a race. On race day, my goal is simply to reach the finish in one piece and enjoy every moment. No rushing, no stress, just soaking it all in.”

Makgoale Magwentshu (71) – Ultra Marathon
After earning her 19th Ultra medal in 2024 and missing the 2025 race, Magwentshu returns in 2026 with one clear objective: her 20th medal and Double Blue Number status.

*^{Makgoale Magwentshu (71) by Action Photo}*

“I can’t wait to be a Double Blue Number member after this race,” she says. “It means the world to me to be part of the Blue Number Club, and I wear my number with pride. The special treatment we receive shows that we are appreciated and valued, and it motivates more runners to become Blue Number members.”

Other inspirational BNC runners lining up in 2026 include Kaare and Marlene James (both 82), Sibongile Cele (81) and Willemien Smuts (85) in the Half Marathon, as well as Nancy Will (73) and Larence Ashworth (79) in the Ultra Marathon.

At Two Oceans, the Blue Number Club reminds the running community that the longest journeys are often the most meaningful, and that some runners only get stronger the further they go.