Charlie’s Loop is the final component of PAIN, an annual ultramarathon event hosted in Edinburgh, Melbourne, and Cape Town. Take part in the whole event, Charlie’s Loop, or simply donate to assist in providing mental health support to those who need it.

PAIN 134

06.09.2026 – 12.09.2026

Origin

Created by Smls founder Danny Allan after losing his best friend Charlie to suicide in his late teens, PAIN exists to raise awareness and funding for the mental health crisis affecting one of the most vulnerable groups in society: 16–18 year olds.

What began as a personal challenge has grown into a global movement. Since 2023, PAIN has raised over £25,000 to support young people struggling to access help when they need it most.

PAIN is about pushing limits – but more importantly, it’s about making sure no one has to struggle alone.

The Legacy

Historically, PAIN has been made up of three loops covering the distance around Edinburgh:

The first 100km for everyone fighting their own mental battles

The final loop – Charlie’s Loop – represents the age Charlie would have been – each year, that final loop increases by 1km.

PAIN 131. PAIN 132. PAIN 133. Now, PAIN 134.

What’s New This Year

For the first time since PAIN 131, the event returns to an individual format and opens fully to the public.

Instead of one single day, PAIN 134 takes place over 7 days, making the challenge more accessible while keeping its meaning intact.

How It Works

The First 100KM (Your Challenge)

Complete 100km in your own time

Anytime between: Sunday 6th September (00:00) – Friday 11th September (23:59)

Run, split, or structure the distance however you like

All runs must be uploaded to the official Strava group to be counted

This part is personal. It’s about commitment, resilience, and showing up – your way.

Charlie’s Loop (The Event)

A 7km loop run on Saturday 12th September at 08:00

https://www.strava.com/routes/3509429678983702310

Complete anything between 1 and the full 5 loops, depending on your fitness and running ability.

This is the community and race day element of PAIN

Open to everyone – whether you completed the 100km or not

Charlie’s Loop will once again be run simultaneously in:

Edinburgh

Melbourne

Cape Town

A shared moment across cities, united by the same purpose.

The Race Element

PAIN has never been about competition – but for those who want to test themselves, it’s there.

To qualify for the race:

You must complete the 100km before Saturday the 12th at 08:00 when Charlie’s Loop kicks off.

You must be registered and tracked via the Strava group – https://www.strava.com/clubs/Smls

Winners

Male and female winners in each city

One overall global winner

The winner is simply the first to complete Charlie’s Loop having completed the 100km beforehand.

Entry

R150 entry fee per participant (for Charlie’s Loop)

You can take part in Charlie’s Loop without completing the 100km

However, the 100km is required to qualify for the race

Every entry/donation directly supports:

Free mental health therapy in the Western Cape through Lifeline’s counselling service.

Each R50 donation covers the cost of a counselling session or an hour of WhatsApp counselling through Lifeline’s channels.

More Than a Run

PAIN isn’t just about distance.

It’s about remembering Charlie.

It’s about showing up for others.

It’s about creating access to support where it’s desperately needed.

Whether you run 100km, 34km, or simply come along to support, you’re part of something that matters.

Lifeline telephone counselling: 021 461 1111

Lifeline whatsapp line: 063 709 2620

Lines are open from 10h00 – 22h00 365 days a year (https://lifelinewc.org.za/what-we-can-do-for-you/)

About LifeLine Western Cape

LifeLine Western Cape has been showing up for people in their darkest moments for over 55 years. We offer confidential and anonymous counselling via telephone, WhatsApp, and in person, creating a safe space where every person can feel heard, supported, and empowered, 365 days a year. We believe that no one should have to face a crisis alone, and we are committed to breaking down the stigma that so often prevents people from reaching out for help.

How Your Donation Helps

Every rand raised through Charlie’s Loop Cape Town goes directly toward keeping LifeLine Western Cape’s counselling services affordable and accessible to anyone who needs them. Your donation helps us train more volunteer counsellors, keep our counselling lines open, and ensure that when someone in Cape Town reaches out in crisis, there is always someone there to answer. You don’t have to run a single kilometre to make a difference, but if you do, know that every step counts for someone who needs it.