Youngsters show true grit in obstacle-course race
The Jeep Warrior Race is South Africa's largest obstacle-course race that spans eight events and up to 9 000 participants per event.
Team Titans, comprising Byron Venter and Kwandu Nhlabathi, grade 11 pupils of Hoërskool Rob Ferreira, recently participated in the Jeep Warrior Race in Pretoria. They completed the commando in one hour, 44 minutes. “We started training three weeks prior to the race and were both trained by K-Fit White River. I have always had a passion for extreme sports and it happened that my K-Fit coach approached me and asked if I was interested and I said, yes of course. I am always open to a new challenge,” said Byron.
For Kwandu, there was no obstacle too challenging and his favourite was the upside-down monkey clings. Byron on the other hand, said all obstacles were a challenge. “It was tough, but a breeze at the same time. I enjoyed the tyre-hanger.”
Their plan for 2015, as it is their last year in high school, is to focus on their athletics. “I do athletics, swimming and play golf for Robbies and I have done two Midmar miles, three triathlons and mountain biking,” said Byron.
Their motto in life: Titans are pure and venom and can tighten anything. The highlight of the race for them was the official’s spirit and enthusiasm.
“Thank you to Jaco and Anna-Mari Oberholzer from K-Fit White River and to everyone who donated and sponsored us for this adventure.”
Next year the Jeep Warrior Race will be coming to the Lowveld for the first time since it burst onto the scene in 2013. The number of entries has grown to thousands per event since then, positioning it at the forefront of this fledgling sport of obstacle racing with its larger-than-life obstacles and innovative courses that challenge South Africans. Mbombela’s Kwanyoni Lodge will be the host to the fifth event in 2016 over the weekend of August 20 to 21. To find out more visit www.warrior.co.za.
