First he took on the extraordinary and gruelling challenge to run from Cape Town to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where he then took part in the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Now Denver van der Bergh has set his sights on a new challenge — running from Cape Town to Namibia, where he intends to take part in the 250 km Beyond the Ultimate Desert Ultra in the Namib Desert.
The former drug addict, now turned ultra-marathon athlete, will take his new challenge on in 2027 if all goes according to plan.
TygerBurger reported last year how Denver (49) ran 1 680 km to KZN and took part in the Comrades to raise funds for the Ramot Treatment Centre for Substance Abuse in Parow. The challenge formed part of his Serenity Run, where he managed to raise R51 410 which was handed over to the centre in October 2025.
READ ALSO: Cape Town runner donates R51 000 to Parow rehab centre after Comrades
He said his run to Namibia next year will culminate in taking part in the five-day Beyond Ultra marathon — one of the most physically demanding endurance races globally.
“If you trace my previous run from Cape Town to Durban, and combine it with this upcoming route to Namibia, it forms a symbolic image across the map of South Africa — a smile. This is intentional. South Africa faces profound challenges, many of which mirror issues seen globally — addiction, violence, inequality, and social disconnection. Through this journey, I aim to bring visibility to these realities while offering something equally important — hope.
“This is about more than running. It is about entering communities, speaking to young people, collaborating with organisations and challenging the stigma that surrounds addiction. Too often, those who struggle are judged rather than supported. But recovery is possible. I am living proof of that.”
Denver struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for 25 years and was treated for his addiction at the Ramot Treatment Centre for Substance Abuse.
“Today I am sober for five years. I returned to education, earned my degree, repaired relationships and discovered something that would reshape my life completely – endurance running.
“Running became more than a sport. It became a form of healing, discipline and purpose. It gave me a way to transform pain into something meaningful.”
Denver is also the founder of the non-profit organisation (NPO) Serenity Strides Foundation. “Through the foundation I work directly within disadvantaged communities, offering mentorship, tutoring and motivational talks at schools where learners often face overwhelming social challenges. The aim is simple; to provide hope, guidance and a sense of possibility where it is often lacking. We also create wellness-based initiatives that connect young people with movement, nature and mental well-being.
In preparation for his run in 2027 — about 2 000 km — he is undertaking several “Smile a Mile” training runs. The next one takes place on Saturday 18 July at the Rondebosch Common from 06:00 to 11:00.
“I am not a professional athlete. I am someone who was given a second chance and chose to use it. Today I run not only for myself, but for every individual who feels forgotten, stuck or without a way forward.”
To follow his journey visit www.serenitystridesfoundation.org.
