Thomas van Tonder Achieves Historic Crossing of Bloukrans Bridge with 600 Monkey Bars

Thomas van Tonder's Monumental Crossing of the Bloukrans Bridge

In a stunning display of athleticism, South African athlete Thomas van Tonder has achieved a world-first by crossing the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest commercially operated bungee jump site globally. On October 26, 2026, van Tonder successfully navigated a course consisting of 600 monkey bars suspended 216 meters above the river, completing the challenge in an impressive time of 47 minutes and 37 seconds. This remarkable feat was part of the Red Bull Bridge Bars event.

The Bloukrans Bridge, which spans over 280 meters, connects the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces along the N2 highway. The course designed for van Tonder featured a 45-degree ascent, a brief flat section at the apex, and a controlled descent. What makes this achievement even more incredible is that the bridge could not be modified in any way for the challenge, with no bolts or permanent fixtures allowed.

Under the supervision of Richard Lievaart, head of rigging and safety director at Vertical Safety Systems, the setup included two independent safety points to ensure van Tonder's security while maintaining the integrity of the bridge. In his triumphant statement, van Tonder expressed, "I have completed what I set out to do. I had a big, crazy goal, and we actually made it happen."

This crossing not only tested van Tonder's endurance and grip strength through three phases—an ascent, a peak, and a descent—but it also pushed him out of his comfort zone, distinguishing it from conventional obstacle courses. As a Guinness World Record holder and 2019 OCR World Champion, van Tonder's accomplishments continue to elevate the competitive standards in the world of obstacle racing. Notably, he also clinched victory at the inaugural Red Bull Rancher Strong event in 2025.

The entire event was filmed and is available for viewing on Red Bull TV, allowing fans to witness this incredible achievement. The Bloukrans Bridge crossing by the Red Bull-supported athlete embodies a blend of extreme sports, determination, and the relentless spirit of adventure that Red Bull promotes. Athletes like van Tonder show the world that with courage and commitment, previously unimaginable feats can become reality. This historic crossing not only sets a benchmark in the realm of obstacle racing but also redefines the limits of human achievement.

With such groundbreaking accomplishments, Thomas van Tonder continues to inspire athletes and adventurers around the globe, elevating the profile of sports that push the boundaries of physical capability. As he embarks on future endeavors, the excitement builds around what new challenges he will tackle next, always with the spirit of innovation and adventure in mind. Red Bull Bridge Bars not only showcases extreme athletic skills but also encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones, proving once again that the sky's the limit when it comes to ambition and resilience.