At 54, Douglasdale resident Ravi Govender is preparing to take on one of the most significant races of his life as he lines up for the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon on April 11.

This year’s race is particularly special, as Govender is among just 11 runners aiming to earn entry into the prestigious Triple Blue Number Club, an elite group reserved for athletes who have completed the race 30 times.

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To date, only 98 runners in history, 95 men and three women, have achieved this remarkable milestone, making it one of the rarest honours in South African road running.

Govender’s journey with the iconic race began more than three decades ago. “My first Two Oceans Ultra Marathon was way back in 1992 when I was 20 years old. I was an avid 3km runner, and a work colleague saw me running one day and suggested I do 8km with him that day, and the rest is history.”

Now on the brink of his 30th finish, Govender said the milestone represents far more than just a number. “Achieving this milestone will be such an immense sense of relief for me, my family, my church, my friends, and my customers. The Covid years have not been kind to my running, with lots of health and injury issues.”

Also read: Local runner triumphs at Comrades Marathon after health battles

Despite these challenges, Govender has remained deeply connected to the local running community, which he credits as a key pillar of his endurance and consistency. A member of Team Vitality Central Gauteng Athletics in Fourways, he regularly trains with fellow runners in the area.

Beyond his personal goals, Govender is passionate about inspiring others to embrace long-distance running. His advice to aspiring runners is simple but powerful: “If you breathe, you are an athlete. Start with small, achievable goals, like running a 20km race on your own. Build up to 28km, and for longer distances, join a marathon with a plan of action.”

He also cautions runners to respect the demands of the Two Oceans route. “With the Two Oceans race, slow your pace. Speed will definitely kill you. Allow yourself time for the last 14km. Enjoy the scenery and speak to other runners for encouragement.”

For Govender, the motivation to keep pushing through the physical and mental demands of ultra-distance running lies in the unmatched feeling at the finish line. “The sense of achievement and euphoria you get when crossing that finish line is beyond words. Being the best version of myself and breaking my physical and mental barriers keeps me coming back.”

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