Virgin Active Warrior #3 Van Gaalen

January 26, 2023

Racing Heats Up at Taroko Trail Park

Taroko Trail Park, 19 September 2026

A fresh morning greeted the Warrior Race family at Taroko Trail Park for Warrior Race #2. The sun teased competitors with the promise of warmer rays later in the day, but the wind was cool, the trails were still wet underfoot and the stage was set for another exciting day of obstacle course racing.

With the Black-Ops Elite athletes off the line, Brandon Hulley wasted no time taking control. Unbeaten in his last five Warrior Race races, Hulley’s international racing experience was evident from the start as he led the field out into the surrounding trails.

Black-Ops Elite Race

The wet conditions made the running sections slippery and technical, but Hulley remained composed. Through Potholes and onto Steel Pipe Shimmy, he made the obstacles look effortless, executing each one cleanly and extending his advantage over the chasing pack. Behind him, Mxolisi Zondi held firmly onto second, while Syanda Gwamanda, Hlelani Radebe and Louis Smit battled for position. At Mud Monster, the thick mud did its best to slow the leaders down. Hulley kept his body low and worked his way through efficiently, while Zondi fought for firmer ground underfoot as the mud sucked at every step.

There would be no catching Hulley. He crossed the line in 54:31, securing yet another Warrior Race victory. Zondi followed in 56:19, with Gwamanda completing the podium in 59:18.

The queen of Warrior Race strikes again in the Black-Ops Elite women’s race, Sabrina Daolio showed exactly why she remains such a force in South African obstacle racing. Returning from a successful international season, Daolio attacked the course from the start. Her strength was particularly evident through the long carries, including Canister Carry, where she continued to dominate. By the time she reached Mamba, Daolio was racing among the leading elite men. She took the plunge, powered through the water and up the net, even overtaking Radebe on her way through.

Daolio finished in an impressive 1:00:12, placing among the leading athletes overall and winning the women’s race by more than 11 minutes. Nerine Tecklenburg claimed second in 1:11:15, with Cindy Wills third in 1:14:12. Once again, Hulley and Daolio stood on the top step of the Black-Ops Elite podium.

Commando Elite Race

The Commando Elite women’s race came alive with some exciting and closely fought racing over the fast, free-flowing 8km course. Chizelle Benson took the victory in 58:15, with Shay-Lee Hulley hot on her heels, crossing the line just 41 seconds later in 58:56. Elizabeth Buys completed the podium in 1:04:29.

The men’s field was equally competitive, with athletes pushing hard across the course and keeping the racing intense. With more younger athletes progressing from the 5km Rookie category into Commando, the category is quickly becoming one of the most competitive at Warrior Race. At just two kilometres shorter than Black Ops, Commando provides an exciting step up for developing athletes and a clear pathway towards taking on the ultimate Warrior challenge.

Another Day to Remember

The new Taroko Trail Park venue delivered everything expected from a Warrior Race: beautiful trails, tricky conditions, technical obstacles and plenty of mud. More importantly, it brought the Warrior family back together. From elite athletes chasing podiums to competitors simply taking on the course for the fun of it, the day was filled with determination, camaraderie and that unmistakable Warrior gees. Couples, friends and families tackled the obstacles together, proving that Warrior Race is as much about the shared experience as it is about competition.

Relive the action and head over to our Instagram page and watch the Warrior Race #2 highlights, from the mud and obstacles to the moments that made race day unforgettable. With Warrior Race #2 done, the mud will wash off and tired muscles will recover, but the racing is far from over. The question now is: who will challenge Warrior Race #3 Cradle at Syringa park on 28 November 2026?

There is no finish line. It’s a Warrior lifestyle.

Virgin Active Warriors, you had the last word in 2022 and what a way to end off the year! We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. The sun beat down on the lush riverside venue, Van Gaalen Cheese Farm, on the banks of the Skeerpoort river.

The course was flat and furiously fast, with a series of water obstacles all along the winding river. The run between obstacles was truly beautiful, taking Warriors on winding riverside tracks, through thick reed tunnels and lush river scenery. Every carry obstacle was extended slightly to make up for the flat terrain.

You displayed true Warrior spirit, fearlessly tackling every obstacle with determination, strength and courage. You selflessly assisted fellow-Warriors in scaling obstacles ensuring no soldier was left behind. Well done, brave Warriors!

In combat, there are winners. Congratulations to every Warrior standing on the podium on Saturday.

Results

Congratulations to every Elite Warrior who won a spot on the podium!

Black-Ops Elite Winners:

Men:

1.Claude Eksteen

2.Tian Basson

3.Thomas van Tonder

Ladies:

1.Trish Eksteen

2.Sabrina Daolio

3.Mandie Lansberg

Commando Elite Winners:

Men:

1.Willem Janse van Vuuren

2.Zander Roestorff

3.Tyran Bothma

Ladies:

1.Cindy Wills

2.Shay-Lee Hulley

3.Elna Kasselman

Rookie Elite Winners:

Boys:

1.Max Monticoe

2.Will Basson

3.Caleb Hendriks

Girls:

1.Alicia Bullen

2.Desiree Lourens

3. Liza-Ann Pienaar

Well done to every Warrior who persevered in the face of adversity, conquered their fears and faced the day. Well done on getting muddy, wet and dirty! You did it! Victory belongs to each of you, whether you took home a medal or not. You earned that dog tag!

Access your results here.

The race may have ended, but we live the Warrior lifestyle. With a Warrior mindset, we persevere, we overcome and we triumph. It doesn’t matter how small the victory is, every single victory is to be acknowledged and celebrated. And, as we prepare to rest, celebrate, and reflect, may you count and appreciate all your blessings.

Until we see you again on 25 March 2023, #BeBrave.

Virgin Active Warrior #3 Van Gaalen

Racing Heats Up at Taroko Trail Park

Taroko Trail Park, 19 September 2026

Black-Ops Elite Race

Commando Elite Race

Another Day to Remember

There is no finish line. It’s a Warrior lifestyle.

Results

Black-Ops Elite Winners:

Men:

Ladies:

Commando Elite Winners:

Men:

Ladies:

Rookie Elite Winners:

Boys:

Girls:

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