South African obstacle course racing world champion Thomas van Tonder has completed an extraordinary challenge, crossing the arch of Africa’s highest bridge using 600 monkey bars suspended 216 meters above the river below.
Van Tonder completed the Red Bull Bridge Bars challenge on October 26, taking 47 minutes and 37 seconds to traverse approximately 280 meters (~918 feet) of monkey bars beneath Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa. The crossing included a 45-degree incline, a relatively flat section across the arch’s crown, and a steep descent on the opposite side.
Despite his experience as a world champion and a Guinness World Record holder for climbing a 90-meter free-hanging rope, van Tonder admitted that the bridge tested him in ways he had not anticipated.
“I almost want to say that the bridge humbled me to a certain extent. I came in a bit cocky, I came in a bit confident and that incline humbled me for sure.” – Thomas van Tonder
A Grueling Test of Strength and Endurance
The challenge was the culmination of months of preparation. When van Tonder first attempted incline monkey bars during training, he managed to cover approximately six meters. He spent the following six months preparing for the crossing, building a training rig on the side of a mountain while dealing with tendonitis and damaged skin.
The actual crossing began at 10:21 a.m. local time, with the steepest section immediately putting his grip and upper-body strength to the test. Within minutes, his hands were already hurting, and the sustained effort proved considerably more demanding than his training sessions.
“We simulated and trained as much as we could, but nothing can really compare to just the continuous beating that that incline puts on the same muscle group.” – Thomas van Tonder
A Team Effort Behind the Record Crossing
The achievement also required extensive planning and technical expertise. Richard Lievaart, the event’s head of rigging and safety, led the team responsible for installing the monkey bars without drilling into or permanently modifying the bridge. The setup incorporated two independent safety points.
Van Tonder credited the crew for making the attempt possible, emphasizing the commitment required to prepare the course and keep him safe throughout the crossing.
After completing the challenge, he described the accomplishment as the culmination of a year of work and months of dedicated preparation.
“I just completed one of my biggest dreams and missions for the last two years. I’m just grateful for it all. We actually made it to the other side.” – van Tonder