TALKING TTOM
‘ Youngsters’
MOTIVATIONAL
We asked a few of the youngest( in one way or another) Blue Number Club Members due to run the 2026 edition of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, to find out what motivated them in their voyage to their Blue Numbers, and their thoughts on the Blue Number Club. – COMPILED BY SEAN FALCONER
1.
Damian Will
Light Blue Number 212( 10 Medals) Blue Number 6071( 12 medals)( Also one medal in the Trail Runs)
In 2011, Damian became the youngest male runner to earn a Light Blue Number for 10 finishes in the Half Marathon, aged 25 years and 29 days, with nine silver medals for sub-1:30 finishes and a highest position of 39th with a 1:17:11 finish in his 10th run. He subsequently earned his Blue Number in the Ultra in 2022, with a 3:58:39 finish for a silver medal.
Are you aware that you are the youngest male runner to earn a
Light Blue Number? No, I was not aware of that, although I knew I was one of the youngest, as I did my first a few days after my 16th birthday. The intention was always to get the Light Blue and thereafter the Blue Number as young as possible – age 35 – but the COVID cancellations meant I had to wait until I was 37 to get them both.
2.
What do you remember about the day you earned your Light
Blue Number? I had been trying to break the 80-minute mark every year and just could not get it right. That day, I had a head cold, but went for it anyway and everything came together. I remember feeling great until I crossed the line, when my head immediately began to ache, but I was so stoked to have both broken 80 and received my Light Blue Number.
3.
Did the Light Blue Number motivate you to get your Blue
Number as well? Yes and no. The Light Blue Number was part of the motivation to immediately get the Blue Number, but my parents were also a big motivation, as they both have Blue Numbers. I have always been more traditional in seeing the Blue Number as the‘ real’ Blue Number.
4.
Thoughts on the Blue Number Club?
My Blue Numbers give me a sense of pride, and show how one run at a time can grow into something special. The Blue Number Club gives a sense of prestige, and I love how runners are able to wear their number with pride, and how we can meet at registration and after the race in the tent to share our battle stories from each race.
1.
Saj Abdool
Blue Number 2858( 24 medals)( Also one medal in the Half)
In 2015, Saj became the youngest women to reach the milestone of 20 finishes in the Ultra Marathon, aged 42 years and 8 days, earning a double laurel on her Blue Number 2858 after running 20 consecutive editions of the race from 1996. She went on to reach 24 consecutive medals in 2019, but then missed a few years, returning in 2025 to earn a Half Marathon medal. In 2026, she will be aiming for her 25th Ultra medal.
Are you aware that you are the youngest female runner to earn a Double Blue in the TOM Ultra? Wow, I am honoured and privileged to be the youngest female runner to achieve my Double Blue, as I did not know.
2.
What do you remember about the day you earned your Double
Blue Number? I was so overwhelmed, from the day before the race, pinning on my race number. During the race, I was extremely emotional and touched by all the good wishes and cheers from runners and spectators, and as I passed the finish line, I cried tears of joy and accomplishment.
3.
You’ re returning to the Ultra after six years to go for a 25th medal. How are you feeling about another Oceans voyage? I missed a few races because of religious obligations, but next year I will definitely be in Cape Town to achieve my long-awaited 25th medal.
4.
Thoughts on the Blue Number Club?
I wear my Blue Number with honour and pride, but I think the Blue Number Club can improve, especially regarding statistics( in comparison to other races), and the variety and options of Blue Number apparel at the Expo needs more attention.
Images: Action Photo SA
22 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026