Obstacle Course Athlete Climbs 600 Monkey Bars for 280 Meters Under South Africa’s Bloukrans Bridge

Professional obstacle course athlete Thomas van Tonder teamed up with rigging expert Richard Lievaart to build and conquer a massive 280-meter (919-foot) monkey bar challenge spanning the incredibly deep 216-meter (709-foot) gorge under the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa’s Western Cape for Red Bull Bridge Bars.

The feat, which involved 600 monkey bars, demanded intense physical preparation, including specialized simulation rigs and targeted strength training, to tackle the grueling ascent and descent beneath Africa’s highest bridge.

World Champion obstacle course racer Thomas Van Tonder attempts the longest set of monkey bars ever built, suspended underneath the iconic Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa. 600 bars, suspended over 200 meters above the gorge with a steep incline create a whole new challenge for Thomas…

According to Red Bull, Van Tonder reached the other side in 47 minutes and 37 seconds, becoming the first person to cross the bridge’s arch on monkey bars.

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Lori Dorn

Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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