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A Proven Ultra-Distance Athlete – From Comrades to Two Oceans
David Ashworth is a veteran endurance athlete and dedicated coach whose breadth of racing experience and technical knowledge make him a powerful guide for runners of all levels. Whether you’re chasing your first 5 km finish or training for a marathon or ultra-distance event like the Comrades Marathon or Two Oceans Marathon, David has walked — and run — every step of the journey.
Personal Bests — A Snapshot
Here’s a quick overview of David’s standout race performances, offering tangible proof of his experience and capability as an endurance athlete:
- Comrades Ultra Marathon: 6 h 05 (earning 13 silver medals)
- Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (56km): 3h39 (6 silver medals)
- Full Marathon (42.2 km): 2h29 (Cape Peninsula Marathon, 2020)
- 10 km: 32 min 17
- 5 km: 15 min 17
These numbers aren’t just stats — they represent decades of dedication, consistent training, and first-hand knowledge of what it takes to push boundaries, overcome pain, and still find joy in the rhythm of running.
From First Strides to Elite Performance
David began running in 2005 and quickly embraced the challenge of long-distance running. He ran his first Comrades Marathon in 2006. Since then, he has completed the gruelling Comrades course 14 times — a testament not only to his physical resilience but to his passion for the sport. His personal-best down-run finish of 6h05 in 2023, and a strong 6h15 in the 2024 up run, prove his enduring competitive edge.
But Comrades is only one part of David’s story. He has run the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon 10 times, with a personal best of 3h39 (2012). He has also competed in numerous trail races, cycling events, and open-water swimming events — underlining his versatility, endurance, and cross-discipline athleticism.
On the road marathon front, David clocked an impressive 2h29 in the 2020 Cape Peninsula Marathon. He also placed 4th overall in the 2011 Brussels Marathon with a 2h31 finish, and logged a 2h33 at the 2018 Valencia Marathon — marking him a highly-competitive athlete.
Coaching Philosophy — From Novice to Ultra
What makes David especially valuable is not only what he has achieved — but how those achievements translate into coaching for YOU. As a coach at A‑Team Coaching, he offers tailored support for a broad spectrum of runners:
- Beginners: Athletes transitioning from walking to running their first 5 km — understanding the mental and physical challenges of starting out.
- Recreational runners: Those aiming to improve their 5k, 10k or half-marathon times.
- Marathoners and Ultra-runners: Runners preparing for challenging endurance races such as standard marathons, Two Oceans, Comrades, or ultra-trail and road events.
David pulls from his own extensive racing history, but also from strong technical credentials: he holds coaching certifications from the Athletics South Africa (ASA), has studied running form analysis, and has undergone formal training in endurance coaching, sports nutrition, and cycling science through the Sports Science Institute of South Africa. That combination of lived experience and scientific grounding allows him to craft training plans that are realistic, effective, and tailored to each athlete’s unique physiology and goals.
Why Choose David Ashworth as Your Coach?
- Empathy and insight: Having “run a 6-hour marathon, a 2h29 marathon, and everything in between,” David intimately understands the challenges — mentally, physically, and emotionally — that athletes face across all levels.
- Proven pedigree: His race history spans premier events in South Africa and Europe, across road, ultra, trail, and multi-sport disciplines.
- Science meets experience: With qualifications from ASA and the South African Sports Science Institute, he integrates sport science into every training plan — from pacing and endurance to nutrition and cross-training.
- Tailored for you: Whether you’re new or experienced, training for a fun run or a gruelling ultra, David constructs plans that match your goals, lifestyle, and capacity.
Our Coaching Promise
At A-Team Coaching, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all”. Every athlete is different. That’s why David — along with our other coaches — builds personalised plans that integrate smart run training, strength work, nutrition advice, recovery strategies, and race-day pacing.
Because the journey to your personal best isn’t just about logging miles — it’s about building resilience, consistency, and belief. With David guiding you, you’re not just training your legs — you’re evolving your mindset, unlocking potential, and redefining what “possible” looks like.
“Structure is the first step to consistency. Consistency is the key to success.” – David Ashworth
David also shares weekly motivation, and educational content on the
A-Team Coaching YouTube channel.
Ready to Work with a Professional Running Coach?
If you want a personalised, scientifically backed training programme for your next marathon, ultra-marathon, Comrades, Two Oceans, or road racing goal, David can help you get there.