SBBU 2025

The SBBU 2025 is being held on the 3rd and 4th May 2025 and the following brave Spartan Babies have committed to both challenging their physical and mental limitations and to raising funds for the CHOC Cows

2025 Welcome by Johnny Cobra

Greetings Everyone

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to the 4th Spartan Baby Badass Ultra (“SBBU”) Bedfordview Challenge and the 6th SBBU Challenge in total.  Who would ever have thought that there are so many lunatics wanting to push themselves through their limits by running either 100 kilometres or 100 miles over the course of a full 24 hours – self supported?!  Luckily there are plenty around – many of whom have heard about the SBBU!

Last year was a busy and incredible year for the SBBU, having not only hosted the 3rd (and largest) SBBU in Bedfordview, but also having launched two new SBBU formats – a youth Challenge in Cape Town and a School/Team/Trail Challenge in Treverton College – both of which were extremely successful and which we will be looking to grow in 2025.

(One of) the great things about the SBBU is that ‘whilst it’s not a Challenge for everyone and that success is unlikely”, it’s not a race against your fellow Spartan Baby wannabies, it is solely a Challenge against yourself.  It’s not about being the fastest in any particular loop or over the 24 hours in total – it’s simply about finding it with yourself to finish your 4.167 kilometres (or miles) within the allotted hour and then ensuring you make it back to the start line before the end of the war cry to repeat the exercise…..24 times!  There will be many times when your mind and body are asking “WHY?” and begging you to stop – particularly in the early hours of the morning – and that’s when you will need to find the answer….and that’s when you will grow – not necessarily as a runner but definitely as a person.

Exceeding our limits is one of the key reasons that we take on the SBBU – another is to help children suffering with cancer and their families by supporting CHOC through the CHOC Cows.  Proceeds from the Challenge, together with the incredible donations our Challengers raise, are given to this incredible charity and then administered through the CHOC Cows to help with specific agreed on projects.  Before the start of our 2025 fundraising initiatives, we have raised a little under R1.1 million to support these brave children and their families.  What more could us Challengers want….we help ourselves grow and we help those most in need.

The SBBU simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible Sponsors who take care of the majority of the costs of the Challenge and our very kind Volunteers who selflessly give up their time to ensure our Challengers are safe and taken care of during the 24 hours.  My heartfelt thanks go out to you – you’re all incredible!

So…. with the days leading up the Challenge (and the infamous cow bells and war cries) rapidly disappearing I would like to wish the 55 brave Challengers who have heeded the call for duty much strength and resolve to see you through the Challenge and I look forward to lining up alongside you.  You’re all legends!

A-woo! A-woo! A-woo
Johnny Cobra

John Sikiotis / Johnny Cobra

Entering his 4th SBBU at the age of 51
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge but DNF’d on both his 100 mile Challenges
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 36 minutes

Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
The SBBU is in my heritage and blood and is very much a part of me….and my desire to conquer the 100 miles remains unabated!

Maria Paschalides / Mariê of Troy

Entering her 3rd SBBU at the age of 59
Successful on both her prior 100 kilometre Challenges
Fastest overall Challenger in the SBBU 2022
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 57 minutes

Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
This will be my nr 3! Can’t stop now

Patrick Devine / Paddy

Entering his 4th SBBU at the age of 58
DNF’d on his first 100 kilometre Challenge but successful on both his next 100 kilometre Challenges
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 56 minutes

Why am I putting my body and mind through this?

For fun

Paulo Pereira / Paulo

Entering his 4th SBBU at the age of 56
Successful on both his prior 100 kilometre Challenges but DNF’d on his first 100 mile Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 46 minutes

Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Raise money

Roger Zipp / Blitz

Entering his 4th SBBU at the age of 63
Successful on all his prior 100 kilometre Challenges
Fastest overall Challenger in the SBBU 2023
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
2 hours 43 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
With the benefit of hindsight I know one can go a lot further than normal with staged events as the recovery and refuelling benefits outweigh the disadvantage of needing to warm up for each new lap
In the marathon, you get separated for hours from your fellow challengers in most cases but at the SBBU you regroup continuously and have a lot of opportunity to engage in encouraging and joyful banter

Warwick van Breda / Warmonger

Entering his 4th SBBU at the age of 45
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge, DNF’d on his first 100 mile Challenge and successful on his second 100 mile Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 12 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
My PB marathon is at 2 Oceans (before it really turns into a race) so I have to be vigilant that I’m not getting weak ….

Hazel Moller / Crazy Hazy

Entering her 5th SBBU at the age of 52
Successful on all her prior 100 mile Challenges
Included in the SBBU count is a successful SBBU Treverton 2024 100 mile Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 22 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?

I enjoy suffering?

Peet Opperman / Dwala

Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 44
Successful on all his prior 100 kilometre Challenges
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 8 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
SBBU is a must do event for me. The organisers are awesome!  I love the mental challenge of running 24 hours whilst raising funds for my favourite organisation,  CHOC!

Andiswa Mahlumba / Hibernator

Entering her 3rd SBBU at the age of 36
Successful on all her prior 100 kilometre Challenges
First attempt at the 100 mile Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 34 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
As a connoisseur of pain. I can’t bring myself to pass an opportunity to run for such a great cause. I also want to try the 100 miler.

Thabang Maimane / Shakes

Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 39
Successful on all his prior 100 kilometre Challenges
First attempt at the 100 mile Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 0 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Completed two 100km. I need to test my self for 100 miles

Thomas de Villiers / Tommy Gun

Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 24
DNF’d on his first Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
No marathons run to date
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I need to finish this race and make myself a true Spartan! It has beaten me once so I want to kick its ass!

Ashley Cook / Invictus

Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 52
Successful on all his prior 100 kilometre Challenges
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 40 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Frequent flyer

Mary Dias / Mez

Entering her 3rd SBBU at the age of 54

Successful on her first 100 kilometre Challenge but DNF’d on her second
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
5 hours 0 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Coz I am strong!

Claudette Muir / κLΘ_e

Entering her 3rd SBBU at the age of 49
Successful on all her prior 100 kilometre Challenges
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
No marathons run to date
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I can and I have and I most definitely will

Simone du Preez / Simzo

Entering her 3rd SBBU at the age of 30
Successful on her first 100 kilometre Challenge but DQ’d as teams aren’t allowed and DNF’d on her second attempt
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 20 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Unfinished business! again!
See the Eagle Hunter take down Eagle Boy

Mike Kenny / Irish Spartan

Entering his 4th SBBU at the age of 66
DNF’d on his first 100 kilometre Challenge (on the last loop!), successful on his second attempt
Included in the SBBU count is a DNF on the second loop at the SBBUTreverton 2024 100 kilometre Challenge (he got lost!)
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
5 hours 2 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Habit

Coral Swanepoel / Coral the Conqueror

 

Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 38
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 48 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I’ve done it before and the challenge was incredible, on top of the amazing cause!

Richard Laskey / Bovis Dickus

Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 52
Successful on all his prior 100 kilometre Challenges (in a CHOC Cow suit!)
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
2 hours 47 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
As my Spartan brothers and sisters before me were prepared to stand up and be counted, to face the challenges of adversity in unison. So to would I want to be on the battlefield beside my warrior brethren’s, as we fight for those who are the true heroes. Those still fighting the good fight and those we have lost

Stuart Gray / Scouts Honour

Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 27
Successful on all his prior 100 kilometre Challenges
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
5 hours 40 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I need a proper challenge every year and I signed a serviette to do my third SBBU !

Rob Ohlson de Fine / Panikos

Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 43
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
No marathons run to date
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Can’t imagine a life not lived in the barracks

Zukiswa Mahlumba / Peanut

Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 41
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 6 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
To be part of the good that SBBU contributes towards CHOC. I completed SBBU 2024, why stop suffering!

Rui Morais / Eagle Boy

Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 40
Successful in his first 100 kilometre Challenge
Fastest overall Challenger in the SBBU 2024
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 11 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I won last year 😘- and in the process of training to beat Hazel next year

Claire Sandwell / Artemis

Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 53
Successful in her first 100 kilometre Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 6 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Loved it last year…a week later!

Shirley-Ann Oakley-Brown / Soteria

Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 62
Successful in her first 100 kilometre Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 1 minute
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Did SBBU in 2024. I found it to be a great time for introspection and a time to reflect on the value of life.

Dean Vercueil / Deano

Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 27
Successful in his first 100 kilometre Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
5 hours 1 minute
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
It’s for a great cause and a great time

Kyle Deerans / Pegasus

Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 42
Successful in his first 100 kilometre Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
5 hours 1 minute
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Although I haven’t taken part in a marathon or any substantial long-distance running since I completed the SBBU 2024, I’ve already started training for the SBBU2025. I’m genuinely excited to reconnect with this fantastic community and participate in such a remarkable race again. I can’t wait for SBBU 2025!
•I have completed a marathon and  other endurance races, but those experiences were quite a few years ago. I truly enjoyed this unique race, as it offers a refreshing break from the standard events we usually encounter. SBBU really stands out as something special.

Craig Ohlson de Fine / Kratos

Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 37
Successful in his first 100 kilometre Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 54 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
It’s an opportunity to make a contribution to a amazing initiative.

Richard Laros / Lykos

Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 53
Successful in his first 100 kilometre Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
No marathons run to date
Pfffft marathons 🤭
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Go Strongly Go!!! Get that motivation going!!

Daniel Smith / Dan Dromeas

Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 57
Successful in his first 100 kilometre Challenge
Sandals runner!
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 5 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Cause I am Dan the Running man and using it as my long run for MacMac

June Smith / The Determinator

Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 53
Successful in her first 100 kilometre Challenge
Sandals runner!
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 4 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I ran all the laps in sandals last year

Adele Kuhn / Adora

 

Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 53
Successful in her first 100 kilometre Challenge
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
5 hours 30 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I am a person of few words, but my heart runs deep for those I love and my passion burns hot for what is right.
A new SBBU baby in 2024, I made it in at the last moment, needing the essence of the dragonfly myself, and discovering my own purpose. Now, in 2025 I join forces with SBBU, as I dedicate this 24 hour to Cyd Nikola, who needs that essence now, more than myself. A close friend and the true warrior as she stands brave against cancer. Be your own butterfly, transform and stand strong my friend, as you rise above this.

Hudson van Niekerk / Hayden

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 50
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
No marathons run to date
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
This is my 50th birthday present to myself. I know I can do this challenge.

Teboho Mokhena / Tebza

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 41
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 32 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I’m going for Comrades for the first time I want to see if I can finish 100 km which will give me confidence that I will finish comfortably

Nkosi Ngwenya / Nkosie

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 45
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 57 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I have completed some of the gruelling Marathons, such as Imbube(Swaziland), Kosmos 3in1, Comrades Marathon, Om die Dam and Two Oceans to name but a few. SBBU is next on my bucket list

Roger Nikola / Aristodumas

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 49
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 35 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Although i have done several marathons I would like to do this for my wife that was recently diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.

JD Mostert / Legend

 

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 48
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 25 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
This is the training I need for the macmac 100miler and it is a good cause

Louise Laros / Lou

Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 50
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
No marathons run as yet
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I did 65 km last year with Richard and signed the serviette to do 2025

Heidi Mehring / Xerces

Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of “old enough”
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 53 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I’m really looking for a new challenge for 2025. I know a lady who has run this a couple of times and I admire her greatly, so next year I hope to be a BEEG girl and be like her. It will definitely be a challenge, but I love challenges that have a worthy cause/charity attached to them and I’ve hosted spinning events before for CHOC. This race would be a win-win all around!!!

Jonathan Eastern / Eagle Hunter

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 27
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 33 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
3 things:
1) I want to raise money for charity
2) Give Eagle Boy some company
3) To try complete it, unlike some   people….#Simzo

Conor Devine / Condog

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 19
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
No marathons run to date
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Signed a serviette

Brandon Charge / Benonious Stallionius

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 24
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
No marathons run to date
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I love every everything that the cows and Choc stand for and I am so excited and motivated to raise funding for such a phenomenal cause. I and my work have committed to raising funds per lap completed as well as total kms completed this year that will be donated directly to choc. I am ecstatic to put myself through a little bit of punishment to make sure the kids gets the help they need and deserve

Ziviwe Magxala / Zih

Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 34
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 57 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Having completed a number of marathons and Comrades, I’ve proven capacity to handle long-distance challenges, which makes me more than capable of succeeding in future endurance-based events such as this

Jane MacKinnon / Fysiko

Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 65
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
Who knows?¿?? Not me lol ….   So long ago
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Need to cross the road from support to action….to fully appreciate what previous Spartan Babies have experienced. My turn to be patched up!!!!

Sabrina Riccardi / Brinacus

Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 23
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
No marathons run to date
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Because I would like to challenge myself and would like to support the cause

Alicia Pollock / Alicia The Swift

Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 31
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
No marathons run as yet
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
While I haven’t run a marathon, I believe I can complete a 100km within 24 hours. My current fitness routine includes shorter runs (mostly under 10km), CrossFit, and yoga. My last half-marathon was in 2017. I’m driven to take on this 100km ultramarathon in memory of my grandmother, who was a dedicated supporter of CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa) until she sadly succumbed to cancer herself.

Gary Streek / Ballie the Brave

Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 61
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge
The SBBU count includes the SBBU Treverton 2024, which he entered on the day!
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 20 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
My body needs to be subjected to torture. I am known for silly ideas such as this but at least my suffering will benefit those in need

Giacomo Riccardi / Flying Weasel

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 19
Flying Weasel was previously captain of the “Flightless Eagles” team which was always successful but always disqualified
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
No marathons run to date
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Officially according to one of the co-creators when I’m 19 years old, I would be legible to run the SBBU. I don’t believe that I will finish the entire event but I won’t know until I try. That is why I’m willing to go beyond and find my limits.

Shannyn Rae / Shortie

Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 23
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
No marathons run to date
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I may or may not have signed a serviette stating that I would attempt SBBU.

Johan Grassman / Tortuous Animus

Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 53
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge
The SBBU count includes the SBBU Treverton 2024
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 45 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
As a baby spartan i know the odds are against me but i also know if it doesn’t kill me it will make me stronger.
•

Mokae Bambo / Moks

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 47
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 40 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I am preparing to run my first Comrades this year. This will serve as a challenge but also a preparation for the Comrade marathon. I like to see if am capable of succeeding and finishing such a challenge.

Tracy Farmer / Athena

Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 37
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 25 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Comrades runner & Roadie turned Dirt Tracker. Recently completed Mont Aux Sources ultra trail in 2024 in 10 hours and Drakensberg Northern Trail 40km 1st of March 2025 in 09hr30. I am head strong and definitely determined to finish anything I put my mind to.

Rory Farmer / Adonis

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 45
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
2 hours 58 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
8 Comrades completed (2 silver medals) and no DNF’s to my name. Also a roadie that is meddling in the trails now – Mont Aux Sources Ultra trail 50km in 2024 and recently the Drakensberg Northern trail 40km in 6hr42. I am absolutely determined to finish everything I do.

Heather Miller / Miller Lite

Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 47
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
4 hours 18 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
After a few marathons and ultras this seems like the next logical boderlineinsane challenge to take on!

Neil Miller / Dirt Tracker One

 

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 50
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 56 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
After finishing UTD 100miler last year I’m looking for this year’s challenge

Derek Livingstone / LLL

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 63
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 24 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Pace is gone, but hopefully not endurance 🤷🏻‍♂️

Jimmy Matthews / Jimmy

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 50
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
3 hours 56 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Training towards my 100 miler Mac Mac race

Bruce King / Basileus

Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 51
2025 Challenge to conquer:
100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
2 hours 54 minutes
 
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Having already completed 17 comrades, going for 18 this year I wanted to mix up the training and try different and new challenges this year.
Being able to stand alongside other likeminded runners is always a pleasure but being able to do it and raise money for those who can’t is a privilege!