WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – The beautiful Midgard Country Estate in Windhoek, Namibia played host to the first international event of South Africa’s largest obstacle course race (OCR) series, the Toyota WARRIOR Race this past weekend, 24 March 2018.  Jeep Team SA OCR racer and South Africa’s top ranked male elite, Thomas van Tonder, travelled to Namibia for its first Toyota WARRIOR Race, which attracted close to 500 athletes, all eager to test their physical and mental abilities on the Namibian trails and world-class obstacles.  The main race of each WARRIOR event is the Black Ops Elite - a demanding course with intense, military-inspired obstacles.

Van Tonder, currently leading the WARRIOR race series, had a hard-fought battle with KeyHealth Team Nevarest athletes, Louis Smit and Greg Avierinos. Van Tonder proved his strength and agility, dominating on the heavy carries and technical terrain, pulling ahead to take the lead ahead of Smit in second and Avierinos in third. In the elite ladies’ race, Carla van Huyssteen (KeyHealth Team Nevarest) claimed her second WARRIOR race win of the season. Finishing in second was Sabrina Daolio (Battle Rush), and rounding off the podium was Mandi Lansberg (BeSnapped). Says van Tonder, “What an epic day of hardcore OCR - taking the win on the Black Ops Elite; winning the Reebok Team Sprint with Jack JP Mare and Sabrina Daolio and finishing second in the Reebok Individual Sprint Race. I am blessed to have the ability to do what I do. I’m looking forward to coming back to Namibia. All the athletes showed real heart out there, and the venue is amazing. For the first international Warrior race it was more than we expected.” 

Results – Toyota Warrior NamibiaBlack Ops Elite

Men

1. Thomas van Tonder
2. Louis Smit
3. Greg Avierinos 

Women

1. Carla van Huyssteen
2. Sabrina Daolio
3. Mandi Lansberg  

Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 084 486 2136 Thank you.   

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  #JeepTeamSA

Website: www.jeepteam.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
Twitter: @jeepteamsa
Instagram: JeepTeamSA  

About Toyota Warrior RaceToyota WARRIOR, powered by Reebok, is back with mud and obstacles built to sustain and delight the thousands of athletes, large and small, tall and short, thin and large that are ready to challenge themselves having fun building better humans. The event calls adventure seekers from all walks of life – whether a weekend WARRIOR or an elite athlete hoping to snatch up the series title. With a Rookie, Commando, and Black Ops category on offer, WARRIOR has something for everyone.

 For the first time in the popular series there will be an escape route for those who don’t find the idea of mud particularly appealing. Instead of diving into the infamous Mud Monster, participants will have the option of taking a penalty loop that will take them the same amount of time to complete.

The ‘mudless’ option will not be made available to any Elite athletes, however. Adventure seekers looking for some extra high-speed excitement have the option of entering the popular Reebok Sprint Race.  A specifically designed children’s obstacle course will be available for little adventurers, as well as a WARRIOR Kids Zone under the supervision of child-minders.

Upcoming Toyota Warrior Race Events: 

PRETORIA, GAUTENG – Despite the wet and muddy conditions, Race #3 of the 2018 Toyota WARRIOR Series, powered by Reebok, attracted thousands of enthusiastic athletes and their keen supporters to Tierpoort Adventure Farm just outside of Pretoria.   This hugely popular obstacle course racing (OCR) series is designed for adventure seekers from all walks of life, and, with no barrier to entry, makes obstacle course racing (OCR) accessible to anyone with a pair of trainers, t-shirt and shorts.  With three categories on offer, Rookie, Commando, and Black Ops, the Toyota WARRIOR races have something for everyone who wish to have fun and challenge themselves across world-class obstacles. The main event of the day was Black Ops Elite. This tough course incorporates 35 obstacles over roughly 15 kilometres of trail.  Course designer, Jono Hart, says, “The WARRIOR course at Tierpoort offers a good balance for the Elite athletes.

The hilly and technical terrain benefits trail runners, while the introduction of six new obstacles and the familiar, age-old obstacles favour those who prefer the physical challenges.”  In the men’s elite race, the “Truck and Trailer” tyre pull and the aptly named “Breaking Point” proved to be the deciding obstacles, with Race #1 winner, Thomas van Tonder (Jeep Team SA), powering through from 5th place and 7 minutes behind the leading pair of Race #2 winner, Claude Eksteen (Supa Mama), and Armin Botha, to take the win.

 Van Tonder finished in 01: 37:07, two minutes ahead of second-place finisher, Bradley Claase (Battle Rush) and Greg Avierninos (KeyHealth Team Nevarest) in third. Said van Tonder, “One of the biggest mental games I have ever had to play. I had my faith properly tested today. I was so happy to stand on the top step of the podium today. Having been in 5th place and 7 minutes off the lead halfway through the race, and then coming back to take the win was an unreal feeling.” In the women’s elite race, Race #1 winner and 2017 series winner, Trish Eksteen (Supa Mama), and Race #2 winner, Carla van Huyssteen (KeyHealth Team Nevarest) tussled for first place, with the lead changing hands throughout the race.

As with the men’s race, Breaking Point proved the title decider. Eksteen showed her racing prowess and grip strength, taking the win ahead of Hanneke Dannhauser (BeSnapped) in second and van Huyssteen in third. In addition to the honours and the R10 000 prize purse, van Tonder and Eksteen each got to drive home in a WARRIOR-branded Toyota RAV4 - theirs to drive until the next event in Cape Town on the 14th and 15th of April. In the Commando Elite race, a 10km trail with 22 obstacles, the men’s top three were, Anrich Zimmerman, who claimed his second consecutive win, in first, Kevin van Wyk in second, his third Warrior podium finish in 2018, and Darren Joyce in third. In the women’s race, Tarryn Butler took her first win of the 2018 series in 01:21:17, Natasha Deley finished 14 minutes behind Butler in second, and rounding off the podium was Tate Stewart.

 The Rookie Elite athletes ran a 5km, 15 obstacle race. In the men’s elite group, first place went to Cayde de Waal, in second place was Travis Dalrymple-Kelly, and finishing third was Simeon De Bruyn. In the elite women’s race, Megan van Tonder claimed her first win of the series, while Monique Els finished in second and Megan McLuckie claimed third. 

Results - Toyota Warrior #3Black Ops Elite

Men

1. Thomas van Tonder - 01:37:07
2. Bradley Claase - 01:39:16
3. Greg Avierinos - 01:40:08 

Women

1. Trish Eksteen - 01:50:56
2. Hanneke Dannhauser - 02:02:05
3. Carla van Huyssteen - 02:03:36 

Commando Elite

Men

1. Anrich Zimmerman - 00:57:12
2. Kelvin van Wyk - 00:57:22
3. Darren Joyce - 00:58:24 

Women

1. Tarryn Butler - 01:21:17
2. Natasha Deley -01:35:14
3. Tate Stewart - 01:40:30 

Rookie Elite

Men

1. Cayde de Waal - 00:30:25
2. Travis Dalrymple-Kelly - 00:30:40
3. Simeon De Bruyn - 00:31:00 

Women

1. Megan van Tonder - 00:34:33
2. Monique Els - 00:36:14
3. Megan McLuckie - 00:38:14 

For the full results of Toyota Warrior #3, visit www.jumpertrax.com.For more information or to enter, visit www.warrior.co.za.

 Written and distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Advendurance.Images and Enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Editors Notes Toyota Warrior Race 2018 Dates: 

Toyota WARRIOR, powered by Reebok, is back with mud and obstacles built to sustain and delight the thousands of athletes, large and small, tall and short, thin and large that are ready to challenge themselves having fun building better humans. The event calls adventure seekers from all walks of life - whether a weekend WARRIOR or an elite athlete hoping to snatch up the series title. With a Rookie, Commando, and Black Ops category on offer, WARRIOR has something for everyone.

For the first time in the popular series there will be an escape route for those who don’t find the idea of mud particularly appealing. Instead of diving into the infamous Mud Monster, participants will have the option of taking a penalty loop that will take them the same amount of time to complete. The ‘mudless’ option will not be made available to any Elite athletes, however. Adventure seekers looking for some extra high-speed excitement have the option of entering the popular Reebok Sprint Race.  A specifically designed children’s obstacle course will be available for little adventurers, as well as a WARRIOR Kids Zone under the supervision of child-minders. 

There are some exciting things in store at the 2018 TOYOTA WARRIOR SERIES, powered by Reebok:

You can choose your own batch start times again, so enter soon to choose the batch you prefer.

The theme for 2018 is Māori Warrior, so expect to see a lot of tattoos and funky designs

In 2018 the Mud Monster will not be compulsory, non-Elites can do a penalty loop and skip the mud Sprint Race:we have changed the Sprint Race format to make it more exciting and involve more age categories.

Two one-day action packed events added in Bloemfontein and Nelspruit Warrior is going International!

On 24 March 2018 we will be hosting a Toyota Warrior event in Windhoek, Namibia. Entries opening soon!

PRETORIA, GAUTENG - This past weekend, 17 and 18 March, Tierpoort Adventure Farm just outside Pretoria played host to Race 3 of the Toyota WARRIOR Series, powered by Reebok.  The Toyota WARRIOR Race, South Africa’s largest obstacle course race (OCR) series, with three categories on offer, Rookie, Commando, and Black Ops, challenges participants from all fitness backgrounds complete a set course of trails and world-class obstacles.The main event of every WARRIOR weekend is the Black Ops Elite race -  a demanding 15km with 35 intense, military-inspired obstacles.

Thomas van Tonder (Jeep Team SA), winner of WARRIOR #1, hoping to claim a second win of the series, didn’t get off to an ideal start.

Having fallen into fifth place and seven minutes off the lead halfway through the race, he had to dig deep to realise a win. Van Tonder, powering through the obstacles, proving why he is number one in the country, collected the gold medal in 01:37:07, just over two minutes ahead of Bradley Claase (Battle Rush) in second, and Greg Avierinos (Team Nevarest) in third. In the ladies’ race, Trish Eksteen (Supa Mama) once again showed her racing prowess to claim victory in 01:50:56, 12 minutes ahead of second-place finisher, Hanneke Danhauser. In third place, with a time of 02:03:36, was Carla van Huyssteen (Team Nevarest). Says van Tonder, “One of the biggest mental games I have ever had to play. I had my faith properly tested today. I was so happy to stand on the top step of the podium today. Having been in 5th place and 7 minutes off the lead halfway through the race, and then coming back to take the win was an unreal feeling.” 

Results – Toyota Warrior #3Black Ops Elite

Men

1. Thomas van Tonder - 01:37:07
2. Bradley Claase - 01:39:16
3. Greg Avierinos - 01:40:08

 Women

1. Trish Eksteen - 01:50:56
2. Hanneke Dannhauser - 02:02:05
4. Carla van Huyssteen - 02:03:36  

Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 084 486 2136 Thank you.   

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  

#JeepTeamSA

Website: www.jeepteam.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
Twitter: @jeepteamsa
Instagram: JeepTeamSA  

About Toyota Warrior RaceToyota WARRIOR, powered by Reebok, is back with mud and obstacles built to sustain and delight the thousands of athletes, large and small, tall and short, thin and large that are ready to challenge themselves having fun building better humans. The event calls adventure seekers from all walks of life – whether a weekend WARRIOR or an elite athlete hoping to snatch up the series title. With a Rookie, Commando, and Black Ops category on offer, WARRIOR has something for everyone. For the first time in the popular series there will be an escape route for those who don’t find the idea of mud particularly appealing. Instead of diving into the infamous Mud Monster, participants will have the option of taking a penalty loop that will take them the same amount of time to complete. The ‘mudless’ option will not be made available to any Elite athletes, however. Adventure seekers looking for some extra high-speed excitement have the option of entering the popular Reebok Sprint Race.  A specifically designed children’s obstacle course will be available for little adventurers, as well as a WARRIOR Kids Zone under the supervision of child-minders.

Upcoming Toyota Warrior Race Events

Greyling Comes Out on Top at the 3222 Stage Trail Run LESOTHO, - This past weekend, top South African trail runner, Christiaan Greyling (Jeep Team SA / Salomon / Garmin), claimed a double stage win at the inaugural 3222 Stage Trail Run in Lesotho.

Far from just another trail run, the 3222 was designed to leave lungs burning and feet heavy as determined athletes tackled the Maluti-Drakensberg mountain landscape. At 3222m above sea level, the 3222 Stage Trail Run is one of the highest altitude trail runs in Southern Africa.

The full distance race covered at total of 40km - 25km on Day 1 and 15km on Day 2 - across technical rocky terrain with steep ascents and descents. The Mini 3222 covered just 16km - 10km on Day 1 and 6km on Day 2. Despite the short distance, the race offered some challenging ascents on both jeep and single-track. Greyling, winner of the 2017 Giant’s Cup Uncut 62km and 2016 SkyRun 100km, is no stranger to running at altitude and showed his running pedigree to finish the 25km route in 02h36m12s, 11 minutes ahead of Ruan van der Merwe in second and Thabang Madiba in third. On Day 2, Greyling once again came out on top, but with van der Merwe hot on his heels. Greyling finished the 15km stage in 01h44m49s, with van der Merwe just one minute behind him. Finishing off the top 3, was Madiba in a time of 01h48m28s. Greyling finished the weekend with a double stage win and the overall ‘3222’ title.

Says Greyling, “Mountains, valleys, wild horses and mud! I love brutal, technical trails in remote places and this is exactly what Afriski and Trail Adventure presented at the 3222 Stage Trail Run. At over 3000m above sea level, it was a weekend of mountain running at its best!” In the women’s race, Nicky Booysens, the 2015 Skyrunner Series Women’s Champion, also claimed a double stage win, finishing with an overall time of 05h55m53s; in second was Tumi Matlou in 06h31m23s, and Carina Janse van Rensburg completed the top 3 with an overall time of 06h42m39s. 

RESULTS – 3222 Stage Trail Run

Other Jeep Team News Obstacle Racing:THOMAS VAN TONDER – SOUTH AFRICA’S UNDISPUTED ‘BEAST’ CHAMPION WITH 14 STRAIGHT WINS MULDERSDRIFT, GAUTENG, 12 MARCH 2018 - Top South African OCR athlete, Thomas van Tonder (Jeep Team), continues to live up to his nickname, ‘#BeastMode’, by becoming the sole winner of all fourteen Savage Beast OCR titles. The event, which took place on 3 March 2018, saw 131 athletes descended upon The Wedge 4×4 Trail in Muldersdrift for the first Beast Challenge Obstacle Course Race of the year. Along with 29 other competitors, van Tonder took on the day’s toughest elite race – the 12km, 50-obstacle Savage Beast Race, where he once again became the only athlete to win all the Beast OCR races.  Van Tonder finished his race in 01:11:06, just over 9 minutes ahead of the second-placed Willem Erasmus in 01:20:16, and Egor Oussov in third with a time of 01:30:51. 

Says van Tonder, “It was another epic day at the OCR office. I am so blessed to be able to do what I do, especially also taking 14 wins in a row for The Beast OCR series. Well done to everyone who competed, and kudos to the Beast organisers for another solid event.” In the women’s elite race, first place went to Cindy Wills in a time of 01:36:13; second was Sam Gilchrist in 01:38:56 and rounding off the podium was Mandie Landsberg with a time of 01:40:56.Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 084 486 2136 Thank you.   

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:

##JeepTeamSA

Website: www.jeepteam.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
Twitter: @jeepteamsa
Instagram: JeepTeamSA

FREE STATE, BLOEMFONTEIN - This past weekend, the Toyota WARRIOR Race, South Africa’s largest obstacle course race (OCR) series, travelled to Bloemfontein, for its first ever race in the Free State.

The popular series challenges athletes from all walks of life to complete a set course, which involves conquering world-class obstacles. With three categories on offer, Rookie, Commando, and Black Ops, participants have the opportunity to choose the course that best suits their fitness level.The main event of every WARRIOR weekend is the Black Ops Elite race -  a set course of 15km with, on average, 30 obstacles. Due to excessive rain in the days prior to WARRIOR #2, parts of the Black-Ops route became inaccessible and waterlogged, forcing the decision to create an exciting lap race.  Thomas van Tonder (Jeep Team SA), winner of WARRIOR #1, now faced a challenge of 13km and 54 obstacles.

A tough ask for the Elite athletes. Van Tonder, hoping to make it 2 wins in a row, opened a lead of 15 seconds ahead of Claude Eksteen (Supa Mama) going into the second lap. With the change in race format, the big obstacles requiring intense grip strength, were removed, proving van Tonder’s downfall. Van Tonder ultimately finished the race in second place in 01:30:39, just over a minute behind 2017 series champion, Eksteen. In third place, with a time of 01:31:52, was Greg Avierinos (Team Nevarest), a silver medallist at the 2017 OCR World Champs. Fellow Jeep Team athlete, Jay Jay Deysel finished the day in 12th, with a time of 01:41:09. In the ladies’ race, Carla van Huyssteen (Team Nevarest) claimed her first win of the season ahead of Sabrina Daolio (BattleRush) in second and Trish Eksteen (Supa Mama) in third. Says van Tonder, “Bloem promised to be new and exciting, and I think it over-delivered.

Having a looped course was a very new concept to WARRIOR and to all of us as athletes. Not to mention the upgrade from 34 obstacles to 54.  “I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Having my supporters on the side-line for 80% of the course made all the difference, taking the race vibe to a whole new level, and motivating me to dig deep all the way to the end.  “What an awesome day of OCR. Taking 2nd place in an action-packed field of top-class athletes. Kudos to Claude Eksteen on coming back strong in the final stages of the race. I’m so blessed to be able to do what I do; 2018 is shaping up to be one of the biggest seasons yet.” 

Results – Toyota Warrior #1Black Ops Elite

Men

1. Claude Eksteen - 01:29:16
2. Thomas van Tonder - 01:30:39
3. Greg Avierinos - 01:31:52 

Women

1. Carla van Huyssteen - 01:38:34
2. Sabrina Daolio - 01:49:06
3. Trish Eksteen - 01:51:11  

Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 084 486 2136 Thank you.   

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  #JeepTeamSA

Website: www.jeepteam.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
Twitter: @jeepteamsa
Instagram: JeepTeamSA 

GAUTENG, MIDRAND – This past weekend, 27 and 28 January, Riversands Country Farm in Johannesburg played host to the 2018 season opener of the hugely popular obstacle course racing (OCR) series, the Toyota WARRIOR Series, powered by Reebok. Attracting a huge crowd of approximately 3000 athletes and a few thousand more spectators, the TOYOTA WARRIOR OCR series kicked off with a bang for the Jeep Team OCR Warriors. The TOYOTA WARRIOR OCR series is designed for adventure seekers from all walks of life. With three categories on offer, Rookie, Commando, and Black Ops, this nationwide series has an event for every person, irrelevant of fitness level, wishing to challenge and build themselves up, with thousands of others doing the same, across world-class obstacles.  The main event of the weekend was Black Ops Elite. A tough elite athlete course incorporating 35 obstacles over roughly 15 kilometres of trail. These athletes are either climbing, traversing, carrying or gripping from start to finish. It is intense, lung-busting and only the super-fit and OCR-skilled make it to the end.

 Thomas van Tonder (Jeep Team SA), ranked 2nd in OCR South Africa and three-time Top 10 World Champs finisher, claimed his first victory in this season opener in what was, initially, a close-fought race between South Africa’s top 3 OCR athletes, Bradley Claase, Thomas van Tonder, and 2017 series champion and #1 ranked in SA, Claude Eksteen. The toughest obstacle in the race, Breaking Point, proved to be exactly this as it defeated Eksteen, who eventually finished 34th overall, as van Tonder calmly pulled off a superb strategic win ahead of Claase in second and Jason Friedman in third. Fellow Jeep Team athlete, Jay Jay Deysel, continuing his impressive growth trajectory, finished 6th overall – just 9 minutes behind van Tonder. In the women’s race, 2017 series winner, Trish Eksteen (Team AOT), showed her racing prowess, taking the win ahead of Carla van Huyssteen (Nevarest Team) in second and Nedene Cahill (AOT) in third.

What makes their achievements impressive is that the top 3 women all finished in the top 10 overall. In addition to the honours and the R10 000 prize purse, van Tonder and Eksteen each got to drive a WARRIOR-branded Toyota RAV4 until the next event in Bloemfontein on the 17th of February, the first ever Warrior event to be held in the Free State.  Says van Tonder, “Today, level-headed strategy beat bullish endeavour, which would have been my normal race mode. I took a good breather before starting on Breaking Point as Claude powered through, and this was my saving grace. I ran my own race and it paid off. I am absolutely blessed to take home the win in the first Toyota WARRIOR Race of 2018. I had to dig deep today, mentally, as it was a very tough race.” Van Tonder and Deysel, teamed up with Carla van Huyssteen in the new format Reebok Team Sprint Race and claimed a bronze medal. This short, intense 400m 10-obstacle race is for teams of 3 – two men and one woman. The Thirsty Capies won the Sprint race with Fit Strong BeSnapped in second, and Jeep Nevarest in third.  

Results – Toyota Warrior #1Black Ops Elite

Men

1. Thomas van Tonder - 01:23:10

2. Bradley Claase - 01:24:45

3. Jason Friedman - 01:29:51

6. Jay Jay Deysel - 01:32:26 

Women

1. Trish Eksteen - 01:31:01

2. Carla van Huyssteen - 01:34:01

3. Nedene Cahill - 01:34:55 

Reebok Sprint Race Thirsty Capies Fit Strong BeSnapped Jeep Nevarest  Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 084 486 2136 Thank you.   

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  

#JeepTeamSA

• Website: www.jeepteam.co.za
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
• Twitter: @jeepteamsa
• Instagram: JeepTeamSA

GAUTENG, MIDRAND - Attracting close to three thousand athletes, and a couple thousand onlookers, the 2018 season opener of the hugely popular obstacle course racing (OCR) series, the Toyota WARRIOR Series, powered by Reebok, was off to the perfect start this past weekend at Riversands Country Farm in Johannesburg. The OCR Toyota WARRIOR series is designed for adventure seekers from all walks of life, and, with no barrier to entry, makes obstacle course racing (OCR) accessible to anyone with a pair of trainers, t-shirt and shorts.  Course designer, Jono Hart, says Toyota WARRIOR 2018 will be the best year yet for OCR. “I build these courses to allow ordinary people to start somewhere and build themselves into who they want to be. None of the obstacles are easy but they are all manageable depending on your fitness level. Black Ops is an absolute monster.

These men and women are at the top of their game.”  With three categories on offer, Rookie, Commando, and Black Ops, the Toyota WARRIOR races have something for everyone who wish to have fun and challenge themselves across world-class obstacles. The Rookie, the shortest and easiest race, is all about fun and comradery - a wonderful opportunity to have real fun with your friends and colleagues. For those seeking a greater challenge, the Commando offers a greater test of physical and mental ability. The most difficult challenge is the Black Ops - the ultimate test of endurance, speed, strength and agility.  The main event of the day was Black Ops Elite. This tough course incorporates 35 obstacles over roughly 15 kilometres of trail. These athletes are either climbing, traversing, carrying or gripping from start to finish. It is intense and only the super-fit and trained make it to the end. Winner and ranked 2nd in OCR South Africa, Thomas van Tonder (Jeep Team SA) won the men’s race; the Women 2017 Series winner and #1 ranked female in OCR, Trish Eksteen (AOT) won the women’s race. Trish Eksteen came 4th overall, an indication of her strength and speed in this sport.

 In addition to the honours and the R10 000 prize purse, these two athletes each got to drive home in a WARRIOR-branded Toyota RAV4 - theirs to drive until the next event in Bloemfontein on the 17th of February. The men’s Black Ops Elite was initially a close fought race between South Africa’s top 3 OCR athletes, Bradley Claase, Thomas van Tonder, and 2017 series winner, Claude Eksteen.  The toughest obstacle in the race, Breaking Point, proved to be exactly this as it defeated Eksteen, who eventually finished 34th overall, and Van Tonder, a three-time Top 10-finisher at the OCR World Champs, calmly pulled off a superb win ahead of Claase in second and Jason Friedman in third. 

Says van Tonder, “Today, level-headed strategy beat bullish endeavour, which would be my normal stance. I took a good breather before starting on Breaking Point and this was my saving grace. I ran my own race and it paid off.  I am absolutely blessed to take home the win in the first Toyota WARRIOR Race of 2018. I had to dig deep today, mentally, as it was a very tough race.” In the women’s race, 2017 series winner, Trish Eksteen, showed her racing prowess, taking the win ahead of Carla van Huyssteen in second and Nedene Cahill in third. What makes their achievement even more impressive is that the top 3 women all finished in the top 10 overall. Another interesting fact is that both Van Huyssteen and Cahill have made their mark in other sporting disciplines. Van Huyssteen is an accomplished trail runner with many stage and ultra-trail podiums under her belt, and Cahill is an ex-MTB XCO SA and World Champion. The cream always rises to the top.  “These women are really strong.

Everyone forgets how hard these obstacles are and yet, year after year the women get stronger and stronger and get through the obstacles with more ease. Well done to Trish. She is an amazing athlete, and I hope I can learn a lot from her coming into the next few races,” concludes van Huyssteen. Race 2 of the 2018 Toyota WARRIOR Race, powered by Reebok, takes place on 17 February in Bloemfontein, Free State, and promises to be equally impressive.  Says Hennie Scheepers, co-owner of the Warrior Series and race organiser, “This is the Free State’s first Toyota WARRIOR and we are super excited to meet new warriors. The Free State has always produced strong, sporty individuals, so we are really looking forward to seeing them in action.”

 Results - Toyota Warrior #1Black Ops EliteMen

1. Thomas van Tonder 01:23:10

2. Bradley Claase        01:24:45

3. Jason Friedman       01:29:51

 Women

1. Trish Eksteen             01:31:01

2. Carla van Huyssteen 01:34:01

3. Nedene Cahill            01:34:55

 Commando EliteMen

1. Kelvin van Wyk   00:50:29

2. Conrad Herbst    00:53:02

3. Calen Hastie       00:53:29 

Women

1. Sammy Nel      01:10:15

2. Sam Ryder      01:12:24         

3. Tarryn Butler    01:13:16 

Rookie EliteMen

1. Nick Oberholzer         00:36:45

2. Simeon de Bruyn       00:37:03

3. Jasper Mutsindikwa    00:37:16 

Women

1.Tumi Matlou              00:45:11

2.Monique Els             00:46:15

3. Megan van Tonder   00:49:15

###Written and distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Advendurance.Images and Enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For the full results of Toyota Warrior #1, visit www.jumpertrax.com.

For more information or to enter, visit www.warrior.co.za. Written and distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Advendurance.Images and Enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Editors NotesToyota Warrior Race 2018 Dates: 

Warrior 1                             27 - 28 January                 Riversands Farm, Johannesburg, Gauteng

Warrior 2                             17 February                      Bloemfontein, Free State

Warrior 3                             17 - 18 March                   Soweto, Gauteng

Warrior Namibia                   24 March                        Midgard Country Estate, Windhoek, Namibia

Warrior 4                             14 - 15 April                     Cape Town, Western Cape

Warrior 5                             14 - 15 July                      Blythedale, KwaZulu-Natal

Warrior 6                             11 August                         Nelspruit, Mpumalanga

Warrior 7                             20 - 21 October                Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, Western Cape

Warrior 8                             24 - 25 November            Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Pretoria, Gauteng Toyota

WARRIOR, powered by Reebok, is back with mud and obstacles built to sustain and delight the thousands of athletes, large and small, tall and short, thin and large that are ready to challenge themselves having fun building better humans. The event calls adventure seekers from all walks of life – whether a weekend WARRIOR or an elite athlete hoping to snatch up the series title. With a Rookie, Commando, and Black Ops category on offer, WARRIOR has something for everyone.

For the first time in the popular series there will be an escape route for those who don’t find the idea of mud particularly appealing. Instead of diving into the infamous Mud Monster, participants will have the option of taking a penalty loop that will take them the same amount of time to complete. The ‘mudless’ option will not be made available to any Elite athletes, however. Adventure seekers looking for some extra high-speed excitement have the option of entering the popular Reebok Sprint Race.  A specifically designed children’s obstacle course will be available for little adventurers, as well as a WARRIOR Kids Zone under the supervision of child-minders. 

There are some exciting things in store at the 2018 TOYOTA WARRIOR SERIES, powered by Reebok:You can choose your own batch start times again, so enter soon to choose the batch you prefer. The theme for 2018 is Māori Warrior, so expect to see a lot of tattoos and funky designsIn 2018 the Mud Monster will not be compulsory, non-Elites can do a penalty loop and skip the mudSprint Race: we have changed the Sprint Race format to make it more exciting and involve more age categories.Two one-day action packed events added in Bloemfontein and Nelspruit Warrior is going International! On 24 March 2018 we will be hosting a Toyota Warrior event in Windhoek, Namibia. Entries opening soon!  

End

JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG - This past weekend, 25th and 26th November 2017, Riversands Farm in Gauteng, played host to the season finale, Warrior Race 8, of the popular obstacle course racing (OCR) series, Toyota Warrior, powered by Reebok. The series is well known for attracting thousands of OCR enthusiasts to challenge their physical and mental limits on world-class obstacles. Jeep Team’s Top OCR athlete, Thomas van Tonder, took centre stage alongside now top-ranked, Claude Eksteen, for the hotly-contested 2017 Black Ops Elite men’s title and series title. The two athletes raced neck-and-neck throughout the series, with the title decider coming down to the wire in the final race. Van Tonder, hoping for a consecutive series win, gave it his all in the all or nothing race – a shorter, faster and flatter 15km race than the norm for the season finale.

The lead changed numerous times throughout with Van Tonder proving stronger on the obstacles while Eksteen performed better on the run. The toughest obstacle in the race and final of the 30 obstacles, Breaking Point, proved to be the title decider. Van Tonder and Eksteen matched each other right to the final bell. Van Tonder dropped off the obstacle just behind Eksteen, and crossed the line claiming a well-fought silver medal in a time of 01:26:05. Third place went to the ever-improving, Trevor Lagerway. Fellow Jeep Team athletes, Jay Jay Deysel and Joshua Masudi, finished 4th and 50th respectively in the Black Ops Elite Race. Deysel had the race of his life in the series final as he has steadily improved and kept form, something he has struggled with in the past. With Van Tonder and Deysel in the Top 4 in the country, kudos goes to Jeep Team SA owner, Max Cluer.  Jeep Team SA also competed in and claimed a bronze medal in the Reebok Team Sprint Race, an short, intense 400m 10-obstacle race for teams of 3 – two men and one woman. For Warrior 8, the Sprint Race was incorporated into the Black Ops Elite course, providing a greater challenge for the competing teams. 

Said van Tonder, “One of the most epic races we have ever had. It was an all or nothing race and after the start gun, it was all-out war. I must have switched places with Claude about 5 times, but today he beat me at my own game. I raced hard to the final metre, finishing a very close second. I left it all out on the course, and am happy to take second place behind such a strong athlete. Well done to everyone on a massive year of racing. I’m looking forward to a good off-season and a strong build-up to next year.” In the women’s race, Trish Eksteen, who had already secured the title earlier this year, once again came out on top, finishing in 01:39:05, with Sabrina Daolio taking silver in 01:46:25 and Hanneke Dannhauser taking bronze with a time of 01:47:52.

American’s Benjamin Gifford and Jay Flores became the first international athletes to complete the Black Ops Elite route, finishing with their DQ band fully intact. Both athletes have been successful in the world of OCR - Flores recently came off a Master of the Rig win at OCR World Championships, and Gifford boasts 23 OCR podiums, the NBC Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge title, and a spot in the Tough Mudder X final. Despite their wealth of experience, they were completely blown away by their South African OCR experience: “I came to South Africa in search of the biggest OCR challenge of my athletic journey. The Warrior Race lived up to its name!” said Flores, rating WARRIOR as “the most challenging obstacle course on the planet.” Said Gifford “South Africa is renowned for having some of the most challenging obstacles in the world, and it’s a privilege to say that I’ve tested and conquered some of them. But I’m also amazed at the depth of the elite field I saw today.” 

Results – Black Ops Elite

Men

1. Claude Eksteen - 01:25:28 (2017 Toyota Warrior Series Winner)
2. Thomas van Tonder - 01:26:05
3. Trevor Lagerway - 01:33:03 

Women

1. Trish Eksteen - 01:39:05 (2017 Toyota Warrior Series Winner)
2. Sabrina Daolio - 01:46:25
3. Hanneke Dannhauser - 01:47:52  

###  EDITORS NOTES 

2018 WARRIOR DATES TO DIARISE

#WARRIOR1: 27-28 January, Johannesburg, Gauteng

#WARRIOR2: 17 February, Bloemfontein, Free State

#WARRIOR3: 17-18 March, Johannesburg, Gauteng

#WARRIOR4: 14-15 April, Cape Town, Western Cape

#WARRIOR5: 14-15 July, Blythedale, KZN

#WARRIOR6: 11 August, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga

#WARRIOR7: 20-21 October, Cape Town, Western Cape

#WARRIOR8: 24-25 November, Pretoria, Gauteng

Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 084 486 2136  Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  

#JeepTeamSA

• Website: www.jeepteam.co.za
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
• Twitter: @jeepteamsa
• Instagram: JeepTeamSA 

GAUTENG, MULDERDRIFT – Johannesburg local and South Africa’s top OCR competitor, Thomas van Tonder, takes a clean sweep of all twelve Beast Challenge Obstacle Course races in 2017, after taking the final gold medal at 12th Beast Elite OCR race over the weekend. The meet, which took place on Saturday, 11 November 2017, saw 140 athletes descended upon The Wedge 4x4 Trail in Muldersdrift for the final Beast Challenge obstacle course races (OCR) of the year. Along with 31 other competitors, Van Tonder took on the day’s toughest elite race - the 12km, 50-obstacle Savage Beast Race. Van Tonder once again showed why he is nicknamed ‘#BeastMode’, becoming the sole winner of all twelve 2017’s Savage Beast OCR races. Van Tonder finished his race in 01:13:00, just over 10 minutes ahead of the second-placed Bradley Classe in 01:23:51. Third place went to Vaughan Proctor in a time of 01:36:00. 

Says van Tonder following his clean sweep at The Beast, “What a blessing. Taking home 12 of 12 of The Beast series. Another amazing day at the OCR office.” This family-friendly event offers 3 distinct levels of entry; the Tame Beast, a fun short course suitable for beginners; the Wild Beast, an intermediate race for fitter, more competitive athletes; and the Savage Beast, an elite, gruelling test of physical fitness, strength and mental ability, suitable for serious athletes. 

In the women’s elite race, over the exact same course as the men’s elite, Sam Gilchrist took the win in 01:39:18, Cindy Wills claimed silver in a time of 01:40:32, while Sam Ryder rounded off the podium in 01:46:34.  Says Max Cluer, owner of Jeep Team South Africa, “Thomas is a machine who is utterly motivated to be the best he can be. This humble man is loved by all that meet him, even his fiercest competitors. We are extremely proud of him and his national and international achievements this year.”ResultsSavage Beast -

Men

1. Thomas van Tonder - 01:13:00
2. Bradley Claase - 01:23:51
3. Vaughan Proctor - 01:36:00 

Savage Beast -

Women

1. Sam Gilchrist - 01:39:18
2. Cindy Wills - 01:40:32
3. Sam Ryder - 01:46:34 

EDITORS NOTES 

Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 084 486 2136 Thank you.  

Photo Credit: The Beast OCR  

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  #JeepTeamSA

Website: www.jeepteam.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
Twitter: @jeepteamsa
Instagram: JeepTeamSA  

The Beast ChallengeThe Beast obstacle course race is a challenge that anyone can enjoy. The courses involve trail running, climbing, crawling, and sliding across various obstacles that have been designed by professional Obstacle Course Race athletes. It is an exhilarating race that boasts three race categories to accommodate all participants, from family, friends, and work colleagues to SA’s strongest and toughest athletes. The Tame Beast is a fun-filled short course that is suitable for beginners, families and friends looking for some fun action on a weekend. The course is approx. 5km in length, features around 15 obstacles and has a low difficulty rating. 

The Wild Beast course is a tougher challenge that will test fitness and focus. The Wild Beast is a tough challenge for all and will require some strength and fitness to compete and complete the race. The course is approx. 10km long, features around 30 obstacles, and has a medium difficulty rating. The Savage Beast takes Obstacle Course Racing to a new level; a gruelling trial for serious athletes that will push both physical and mental limits. The course is approx. 15km long, features over 50 obstacles, and has a hard difficulty rating.

 For more info, visit www.thebeastchallenge.co.za

On Saturday, 2 September 2017, over one hundred athletes participated in Race 11 of The Beast Challenge obstacle-course race (OCR) at The Wedge 4x4 Trail in Muldersdrift.  The Beast offers 3 levels of participation. The first level is the “Tame Beast”, a 5km course with around 15 obstacles. This is suitable for anyone over the age of eight who is not necessarily fit, but looking to have fun. Level 2 is the “Wild Beast” and consists of a 10km course with around 30 obstacles for the fitter, more competitive athletes. This intermediate race is a tough challenge that requires some strength, a good degree of fitness and training. 

Level 3 and most difficult is the “Savage Beast”, a demanding test for elite athletes. With over 50 obstacles stretching over 15km, this event pushes competitors’ mental and physical limits. 2016 OCR Champion and currently ranked #1 on the OCR rankings leaderboard, Thomas ‘BeastMode’ van Tonder (Jeep Team SA), raced in the gruelling Savage Beast, claiming an unbeaten eleventh title.  Van Tonder crossed the line in 01:18:02, a minute ahead of second-place finisher, Bradley Claase. Rounding off the men’s podium was Marius Smith, who finished in 01:34:15.

 All three men have been selected as part of the South Africa Team to compete at 2017 Obstacle Course Racing World Championships will be held at October 13-15 at Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario, Canada. Van Tonder and Smit will be competing in the PRO class, while Claase will be competing in age group category 25 – 29.  Says van Tonder, “What a day. Race 11 in the bag. It was a super race at The Beast. It was a nice balance of running and obstacles.” 

Results – Savage BeastMen

1. Thomas van Tonder - 01:18:02
2. Bradley Claase - 01:19:07
3. Marius Smith - 01:34:15

 Women

1. Michelle Meyer - 01:54:04
2. Cindy Wills - 02:43:48
3. Victoria van der Schyff 

###  OTHER JEEP TEAM NEWS Multisport – Dirtopia Ride and Run ChallengeJeep Team triathlete, Michael Lord, continued his winning form at the inaugural Dirtopia Ride and Run Challenge at DelVera Farm in the Stellenbosch winelands. Lord won the Challenge, a 20km MTB and 7.5km trail run, along trails and single-track through the DelVera vineyards and neighbouring farms, ahead of Dylan Janos in second and Quinten van der Merwe. “I’m chuffed to win the inaugural Dirtopia Ride and Run Challenge. I’m confident my training is going really well for the upcoming Clanwilliam Triathlon on the 30th of September,” said Lord. Results – Ride and Run ChallengeMen Michael Lord Dylan Janos Quinten van der Merwe Women Vanessa Fisher Suzanne Smit Maryke van der Merwe 

###  EDITORS NOTES 

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  #JeepTeamSA

• Website - www.jeepteam.co.za
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
• Twitter - @jeepteamsa
• Instagram - JeepTeamSA 

Photo Credit: #BeSnapped

 For more information please contact Bronwen Blunden on 079 060 1905 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

The Beast Challenge

The Beast obstacle course race is a challenge that anyone can enjoy. The courses involve trail running, climbing, crawling, and sliding across various obstacles that have been designed by professional Obstacle Course Race athletes. It is an exhilarating race that boasts three race categories to accommodate all participants, from family, friends, and work colleagues to SA’s strongest and toughest athletes. 

The Tame Beast is a fun-filled short course that is suitable for beginners, families and friends looking for some fun action on a weekend. The course is approx. 5km in length, features around 15 obstacles and has a low difficulty rating. The Wild Beast course is a tougher challenge that will test fitness and focus. The Wild Beast is a tough challenge for all and will require some strength and fitness to compete and complete the race. The course is approx. 10km long, features around 30 obstacles, and has a medium difficulty rating. The Savage Beast takes Obstacle Course Racing to a new level; a gruelling trial for serious athletes that will push both physical and mental limits. The course is approx. 15km long, features over 50 obstacles, and has a hard difficulty rating. 

Upcoming Beast Challenge Races: (all races at The Wedge Outdoor Park, Muldersdrift)

Beast #12 - 7 October 2017

Beast #13 - 11 November 2017

For more info, visit www.thebeastchallenge.co.za