By Adnaan Mohamed
Longevity will take centre stage at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon on 11 April 2026 when eleven seasoned campaigners line up with one goal in mind: a 30th finish and entry into the race’s prestigious Triple Blue Number Club.
To date, only 98 runners have completed 30 or more Two Oceans ultras, 95 men and three women. This year’s intake could grow by eleven if 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) successfully navigate the 56km route.
Among them, Rajoo and Govender are the youngest men chasing the milestone.
Rajoo, who made his Two Oceans debut in 1995 at 22, says the race has become inseparable from his life.
“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?”
Govender’s relationship with the race stretches beyond the clock. For more than three decades, he and two close friends have driven from Johannesburg to Cape Town for race weekend, turning the annual trip into tradition.
“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 credits longtime friend George Tadden, 75 and already a 30-time finisher, for ongoing motivation. “We travel together every year. Seeing what’s possible keeps you motivated.”
For Celtic Harriers stalwart Abrahams, the 30th start carries deep personal meaning. In 1993 his father, Edward Abrahams, died suddenly at the age of 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 support has been central to 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,” he says.
After failing to qualify for the ultra in 2025, Abrahams ran the Half Marathon alongside his daughter, Linzi Coller. He returns in 2026 determined to secure his place in the Triple Blue ranks.
Pain will be the only woman on the 2026 start list aiming for a 30th ultra finish. In a club where women remain underrepresented, her consistency over decades stands out as a marker of durability and commitment.
“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 added: “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!”
The 2026 Two Oceans weekend programme:
- Thursday 9 April: International Friendship Run
- Friday 10 April: Trail Run
- Saturday 11 April: Ultra Marathon
- Sunday 12 April: Half Marathon
For eleven runners, Saturday’s ultra is more than another medal chase. It is the culmination of three decades of discipline, sacrifice and loyalty to a race widely regarded as the world’s most beautiful marathon.