Tough grade elevens tackle Warrior Race

While the end of the year means rest and relaxation for most people, two grade 11 learners of Hoërskool Rob Ferreira decided to tackle one of SA’s toughest challenges, the Jeep Warrior Obstacle Course Race on November 22.

Byron Venter and Kwandu Nhlabathi of Team Titans powered through the Commando Warrior Course in one hour and 44 minutes and loved every minute of it. The course is between nine and 11 kilometres in length and consists of 22 obstacles. It’s a tough race that tests athletes on their endurance, strength and agility. The two boys agreed that it was a tough experience but a challenge that they would definitely like to tackle again.

The Jeep Warrior Race is the country’s largest obstacle-course race and spans eight events with up to 9 000 participants per event. It was started in 2013 and has since seen a phenomenal rise in popularity.

The organisers say they believe it’s so popular because you just need “a pair of old running shoes and a great sense for adventure”. Obstacle racing is also unique because it affords athletes from various sporting codes such as cycling, trail and road running, martial arts and rugby, the chance to compete on a level playing field.

Obstacles include climbing up slippery slopes, running through or swimming across water, crawling through mud under a wire fence and even a few interesting rope challenges.

Byron and Kwandu was trained by Jaco and Anna-Mari Oberholzer from K-Fit White River, and they would like to thank them for their consistent support and encouragement. They would also like to thank everyone who gave donations and helped make their participation possible.

They challenge all other K-Fit members of Mbombela and White River to join them next year.