Van Tonder Proves Why he is OCR King at Victorius Warrior #3

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 viv@hotsalsamedia.co.za / 084 486 2136 Thank you.   

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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