07 September 2017

Van Tonder is Crowned King of the Beast After Eleven Straight Wins

Submitted by: Viv Quann
Van Tonder is Crowned King of the Beast After Eleven Straight Wins

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 LordResults – 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

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

Published in Sports Range