Elite eleven target 30th ultra at Totalsports Two Oceans 2026

The road to 30 is no casual jog. It is a marathon of years, a tapestry of sweat and sunrise miles stitched together along the slopes of Chapman’s Peak and Constantia Nek. On Saturday, 11 April 2026, eleven runners will line up at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon with history humming in their ears as they target their 30th finish and entry into the revered Triple Blue Number Club.

The Blue Number Club is distance running royalty. Only 98 athletes have completed 30 or more ultras in the race’s storied history, 95 men and three women. This year, 11 names aim to stride into that rarefied air: Robert Button (66), Lawrence Ashworth (69), David Beard (62), Denzil Abrahams (66), Ravi Govender (54), Christiaan Steyn (65), Arthur Valasis (74), Deon Pienaar (69), Mark Carlson (55), Curtis Rajoo (53) and Kim Pain (59).

For Curtis Rajoo, the journey began in 1995 when he was 22. Three decades later, the race remains stitched into his calendar like a permanent fixture.

“As they say, TTOM is the most beautiful race, but it’s also tough,” says Rajoo. “Reaching 30 is big for me. It was always a goal. After so many years, I can’t imagine not running TTOM. If I’m not on that start line, what would I even be doing that day?”

Rajoo and fellow 54-year-old Ravi Govender are the youngest of the 11 chasing their 30th medal. For Govender, the annual pilgrimage from Johannesburg to Cape Town is powered by friendship as much as fitness. For over three decades, he and two close friends have driven south together, turning race weekend into ritual.

“It’s the people and that feeling of crossing the line,” says Govender.

“That euphoria when you’ve beaten the clock, when you’ve conquered the mountains and conquered yourself.”

He draws inspiration from longtime friend George Tadden, 75, already a 30-time finisher.

“We travel together every year. Seeing what’s possible keeps you motivated.”

For Celtic Harriers stalwart Denzil Abrahams, the milestone carries the weight of memory and meaning. In 1993 his father, Edward Abrahams, died suddenly at 54.

“The year I finished my first Two Oceans Ultra; I started asking questions about my eternal destiny,” says Abrahams.

“I immediately drew a parallel with my love for endurance in running and as a believer. My love for TTOM just grew and grew.”

Family has formed the quiet scaffolding beneath his journey. “I am now married for 40 years, and I am very thankful that for 30 years my wife Debbie has been part of my Two Oceans journey.”

After missing qualification for the ultra in 2025, Abrahams ran the Half Marathon alongside his daughter, Linzi Coller. The unfinished business now fuels his return as he chases Triple Blue in 2026.

Kim Pain stands alone as the only woman on the 2026 start list targeting her 30th ultra. In a club where women remain scarce, her consistency over decades speaks of discipline measured not in months, though in lifetimes of long runs and stubborn resolve.

“Reaching 30 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathons is a rare mark of durability and commitment. Best of luck to Robert, Lawrence, David, Denzil, Ravi, Christiaan, Arthur, Deon, Mark, Curtis and especially Kim Pain, an athlete whose consistency over the years embodies the spirit of this race,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

General Manager Wade Bromfield echoes the sentiment: “We wish Robert, Lawrence, David, Denzil, Ravi, Christiaan, Arthur, Deon, Mark, Curtis and Kim Pain all the best as they attempt to complete their 30th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Here’s to an incredible milestone and another memorable race!”

Beyond the medals and milestones, the 56km journey remains a proving ground where legs burn, lungs roar and hearts expand. For these eleven runners, April 11 is more than another race. It is the next stride in a 30-year conversation with one of the world’s most beautiful ultras.

EVENT INFORMATION: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon

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Websites: www.twooceansmarathon.org.za