15 November 2017

Thomas Van Tonder Takes ‘the Beast’ Elite Series in a Clean Sweep

Submitted by: Viv Quann
Thomas Van Tonder Takes ‘the Beast’ Elite Series in a Clean Sweep

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  

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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

Published in Sports Range