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INSPIRATION
In The Ultra Marathon
If not for COVID and the cancellation of the 2020 event, Lawrence would likely have reached the milestone of 30 TTOM finishes that year. He tried again in 2024 and narrowly missed the final cut-off, but is back in 2026 feeling fitter, stronger and more determined, thanks to being able to put in more training, so this could be a very special race day for the oldest
BNC entrant in the 2026 Ultra.
1.
How does it feel to be one of the oldest BNCs in the 2026 event? In the 1980s and‘ 90s, it was wonderful, but I’ m getting old, so it’ s becoming harder. Since the lockdown, it’ s been a battle to reach my 30th and my triple laurel, but this year, I feel I will achieve it.
2.
Larence Ashworth
Age: 79 29 Ultra Marathon medals – Blue Number 1375
What’ s your main goal for race day, and what are you looking forward to most in the 2026 race?
Getting my 30th medal and my triple laurel Blue Number is the goal this year, and I would just like to get over Constantia Nek feeling good, then I will know I’ m on my way to my 30th. I missed it by just over three minutes in 2024, but I’ m running far better now than I am retired and can do more training.
3.
Do you approach the TTOM any differently now than when you started running the event? Well, I recently retired at the end of December, after working an extra 14 years, which obviously put a damper on my training goals through the years. Now I’ ve got time to myself, where I can train more properly.
4.
What is your standout memory of your Two Oceans career? Oh, I’ ve got lots. In the early‘ 80s, I remember starting the run at Villagers Sports Ground, back when we only had around 1200 runners doing the ultra. I miss not having the Piper at Lakeside, and at the blockhouse going down Chapman’ s Peak, and the smell of the freshly baked bread at the old bakery as you enter Muizenburg.
5.
What are your thoughts on the Blue Number Club?
I used to enjoy the dinners that the Blue Number Club had annually before the race, so I’ m really glad to hear the dinner is back this year.
88 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD | 2026
Images: Action Photo SA, Two Oceans Marathon