On Saturday, 11 April 2026, as the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon gets underway, Kim Pain will line up as the only female runner attempting triple blue status, chasing a remarkable 30th finish at this iconic race.
Now 59, the Jeppe Quondam Athletics Club runner is closing in on a milestone built over 36 years of dedication, dating back to her debut in 1990. That year, a 23-year-old Pain completed her first ultra in a time of 4:56:36, laying the foundation for a journey defined by consistency rather than ambition.
Three decades of commitment
After returning to the race in 1993, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon became a constant in Pain’s running life. Her remarkable longevity places her among South Africa’s most durable female endurance athletes. In 2002, she completed her 10th ultra, earning membership of the prestigious Blue Number Club — a marker of sustained excellence at the event.
Despite the looming milestone, Pain maintains that she never set out to chase numbers. She has often said she simply chose to run Two Oceans each year and enjoy a weekend away, allowing the achievement to accumulate naturally over time.
Family at the heart of the journey
Behind the statistics lies a deep family connection. Pain credits her parents, Alf and Wendy Pain, as her greatest supporters throughout her running career. Her father, in particular, has been a lasting source of inspiration. The family travelled together to Cape Town in 1990 for her first race, a trip that marked the beginning of her enduring relationship with the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.
Defining moments on the road
Certain races stand out more vividly than others. Pain’s 20th ultra in 2012 was contested in freezing, rain-soaked conditions, with mud and cold making the final kilometres especially challenging. She recalls being fortunate to have her parents supporting her on the roadside as she pushed through to the finish.
Her 25th finish in 2017 proved equally memorable. Organisers surprised her with a congratulatory letter and a small trophy, along with exemption from future entry fees. The gesture, she has said, was unexpected and deeply motivating, planting the seed for her pursuit of a 30th finish.
A quiet source of inspiration
With a surname like Pain and decades of ultras behind her, she has become a familiar figure among fellow runners. On the road, athletes often strike up conversations, curious about her longevity and experience. She responds with humour, acknowledging the irony of her name while sharing insights earned through years of steady participation.
A legacy beyond the finish line
Race organisers believe Pain’s milestone reflects the essence of the event itself. Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt says she embodies the spirit of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, while general manager Wade Bromfield describes her journey as a powerful reminder of what resilience and consistency can achieve over time.
As the 2026 race weekend unfolds, Kim Pain’s attempt at a 30th finish will stand as a testament to endurance built patiently — stride by stride, year by year.
