LISTEN: SA Guinness World Record holder is using his strength for good
Thomas van Tonder might be one of the strongest, most athletic people we know, but he's not just running for fun all the time. He's also using his superhuman abilities to help others and is an inspiration to many.
Thomas van Tonder has experienced a meteoric rise to the top of world Obstacle Course Racing (ORC).
The South African started racing OCR in 2013 and finished second in his first race.
Within three years, he had turned pro.
Fast forward to 2019, and among many other wins, van Tonder has won 17 Warrior Black Ops Elite races, the National Championship and Series Championships in 2016 and 2018 (runner-up in 2017).
Van Tonder has also competed in four OCR World Championships, placing in the Top 10 three times.
2019 was a big year for the 27-year-old; he not only became a new dad, but kept his focus solid throughout the season and managed a string of good results toward the end of the year, including:
- finishing second in the 3km
- winning the 100m Sprint Race at the OCR World Championship
- finishing on the podium at the innovative Red Bull Conquer the Castle.
He's also a Red Bull OCR Athlete, a Guinness World Record holder and is part of the Wings for Life family.
The Wings for Life World Run and its global community have played a key role in moving spinal cord injury research towards a cure.
The run is a global charity event with a unique and fun format where the finish line chases you, in aid of the Wings for Life Foundation.
100% of the full entry fee goes to the foundation whose ultimate goal is to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.
Their mission is to run for those who can't, and the event has grown into something bigger than anyone, even Red Bull, could have imagined
The run began in 2014 and takes place simultaneously at 34 or 35 locations around the world.
Our very own Rozanne McKenzie is a Wings for Life global ambassador for 2026, and if you are keen to join from anywhere in the world, be a part of the official Jacaranda FM team here.
The Drive with Rob and Roz spoke to van Tonder about his one-of-a-kind career and why he's so passionate about Wings for Life World Run:
Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
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Image: Thomas van Tonder Instagram/Supplied