On Saturday, 11 April 2026, as the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon gets underway, where Kim Pain will be the only female runner lining up to attempt triple blue status – chasing a remarkable 30th finish at this iconic race.
If successful, the 59-year-old Jeppe Quondam Athletics Club stalwart’s achievement will represent 36 years of unwavering dedication, dating back to her race debut in 1990, when the then 23-year-old finished in 4:56:36.
Remarkable longevity
Since returning to the race in 1993, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) has been a constant in her running journey.
Her remarkable longevity ranks her among South Africa’s most durable female endurance athletes. In 2002 she completed her 10th voyage earning Blue Number Club (BNC) membership 2213.
“I don’t think I was ever chasing 30,” said Pain. “I always chose to run TTOM and enjoy a weekend away.”
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Deep family connection
Behind the statistics lies a deep family connection to the sport. “My mom and dad, Alf and Wendy Pain, have always been my greatest supporters,” she adds.
“My dad especially has been my inspiration. We came down to Cape Town as a family in 1990, and that’s where my TTOM journey began.”
Some races stand out more sharply than others. Her 20th ultra marathon in 2012 came in freezing, rain-soaked conditions.
“It was so cold, wet and muddy at the finish. It was pouring with rain, and I was lucky to have my parents supporting on the side of the road,” she recalled.
A defining moment
Her 25th ultra in 2017 proved a defining moment. “I was very taken aback when the organisers gave me a congratulatory letter and a small trophy,” said Pain.
“I think it was a very cool gesture, it also meant that after finishing my 25th, I was exempt from paying entry fees. That only motivated me to get to my 30th.”
With a surname like Pain and a race number steeped in history, she has become a living checkpoint of wisdom for fellow runners, especially those tackling the race for the first time.
“Yes, that’s the standard comment I often get. You’ve got the right surname. Often, when I’m running and I’ve got runners around me, they’ll come up to me and they’ll say to me, when did you start running? You must have started when you were very young because you have so many ultras behind your name,” she laughs.
The spirit of the Two Oceans
Pain’s journey is a testament to the fact that endurance is not forged in a single race, but built patiently over time, stride by stride, year by year.
“Kim Pain embodies the spirit of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. Her 30th appearance is a testament to decades of dedication and endurance, inspiring every runner on the start line,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.
Adding to that, Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, highlighted the milestone: “Reaching 30 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathons is extraordinary. Kim’s journey reflects resilience, consistency, and the heart of this iconic race, reminding us of what decades of running can achieve.”
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
