27 Sept | Riversands Farm Village
Conquering the Chaos
It was muddy, sweaty, and wild on Saturday, 27th September, at Warrior #2 Riversands. The weather was perfect, the energy electric, and the course unforgiving. Riversands Farm Village, in Johannesburg, set the stage for an unforgettable chapter in the Warrior Race series.
Competitors with a passion for the podium dug deep, family and friends moved from obstacle to obstacle at the spectator zone, cheering on their loved ones. A live DJ on the decks kept the fire and electric energy alive for spectators and participants alike, making the day as much about community and celebration as it was about the race itself.
The Start Line Energy was Unmatched
In a cloud of smoke, the Warriors stormed the start line, attacking the course. From the very first obstacle, determination was palpable, and the ensuing battle fierce. The Black Ops Elite Men’s field was stacked with the best of the best gracing the start line. With the likes of Brandon Hulley, Hlelani Radebe, Claude Ekskteen, Ayanda Malevu, Louis Smit, Thomas van Tonder, Tian Basson, and Etienne van der Merwe all hungry for the win, we had ourselves an epic stand-off of will, strength, and determination.
Brandon Hully dominated the Black Ops field from the start, with Hlelani Radebe hot on his heels until The Gauntlet, where Hully pulled away to secure a comfortable victory. Meanwhile, Claude Eksteen and Thomas van Tonder engaged in an intense battle. They surged from 10th and 11th place at the halfway mark to fifth and sixth place. Claude made a mistake at Extreme Monkey, where Thomas capitalised and moved ahead, navigating The Gauntlet penalty-free to claim a thrilling third place on the podium.
In the women’s race, Sabrina Daolio asserted her dominance from the outset, crossing the finish line with ease. Alexandra Williams demonstrated remarkable strength and perseverance, finishing the challenging Black Ops course to secure a commendable second place. This was her very first race.
A Race for everyone!
For those who took on the Elite races, the Riversands course delivered the ultimate thrill. Flat, fast stretches pushed runners to their limits, while demanding carries and rapid-fire obstacles tested strength, speed, and endurance.
For others, it wasn’t about the clock; it was about teamwork, laughter, and muddy memories that will last long after the finish line. And the Mud Monster? Some might say that it tested their patience too. Warriors crawled, climbed, and carried their way forward. The infamous Mud Monster sucked them into muddy depths, but could not keep them down. The Mamba struck, yet our warriors conquered the terrifying slide, and not a fearful bone in sight.
Race Results
| Black-Ops Elite Men | Black-Ops Elite Women |
| Brandon Hulley 01:14:28 Hlelani Radebe 01:17:24 Thomas van Tonder 01:20:39 |
Sabrina Daolio 01:37:36 Alexandra Williams 02:18:38 |
| Commando Elite Men | Commando Elite Women |
| Werner Geel 01:03:45 Corné Nel 01:04:43 Daniel Kok 01:07:53 |
Mila Labuschagne 01:22:47 Liza-Ann Pienaar 01:46:34 Kirstie Atkins 01:48:57 |
| Rookie Elite Men | Rookie Elite Women |
| Mathias Marechalen 00:32:30 Fabrice Marechalen 00:32:35 Barend Van As 00:33:27 |
Katiana Brancato 00:44:17 Cheryl Jacobs 00:44:27 Elaine Bodenstein 00:45:08 |
To every Warrior who took up the challenge: We salute you.
The next challenge awaits. Warrior #3 Die Bosveld, Pretoria, 28 November. Secure your spot and prove your Warrior spirit!
Visit www.warrior.co.za for more information and to join the Warrior family!