Badfontein athlete wins prestigious obstacle race

Being no stranger to tackling rocks, mud and obstacles, Alicia Bullen from Badfontein, won the biggest obstacle race
in South Africa on December 3 when over 2 000 athletes participated.

She now holds the title of 2022 Rookie Elite Champion of the Virgin Active Warrior Race for adult women and finished eighth overall.

Bullen said it is the unofficial title as these obstacle course races (OCR) usually consist of five annual events, and only three were hosted last year. She is actively working towards also becoming champion in a full series of five events.

“A Warrior Race isn’t for the faint-hearted. An elite race steps it up a level and aiming for a podium position certainly adds spice for elite athletes. The race in December was on a warm and humid day, and a true challenge. We were chasing the clock while battling the obstacles for a non-disqualifying finish. I was looking forward to ending the year on a high note and obtaining a podium spot. The 400m of running and walking through the river, right after the sprint start, was enough to throw off any athlete. Rather than risking an injury, I chose to take it easy and lose my position to a few ladies,” said Bullen.

Racing against some of the country’s finest OCR athletes, Bullen participated in several events last year. During the Jump City Challenge at Gold Reef City in November, she finished fourth. Bullen participated in the Titan’s Chase Adventure Series in Christiana, North West, where she also finished fourth in the 10km category. She was also awarded the most dedicated athlete and the best competitor of the day.

At the OCR Interference Race, a week after the Titan’s Chase, Bullen won the 5km Female Elite Race. She is actively involved in developing an official OCR course at Mankele, close to the Sudwala Caves.