SBBU 2024
The SBBU 2024 is being held on the 27th and 28th April and the following brave Spartan Babies have committed to both challenging their physical and mental limitations and to raising funds for the CHOC Cows
Welcome to SBBU 2024 by Johnny Cobra
What do Spartans, Babies, Bagpipes, the Bedfordview Italian Club, Belt Buckles, Carolina Reaper Chillies, Cow Bells, CHOC, war cries and 24 hours have in common? Whilst not many people will be able to make the connection, there are a few brave men and women and their supporters who will know that it’s the Spartan Baby Badass Ultra (“SBBU”) – a 24 hour running event in which Challengers pit themselves against themselves in order to run 100 kilometres or 100 miles, self supported,….whilst also raising funds for CHOC’s needy beneficiaries – children living with cancer and their families.
There are no winners or losers in this Challenge as each one of the 52 brave Challengers who have pledged to take part in the SBBU 2024 and to raise funds for CHOC are already legends. Sure there will be those who successfully complete their chosen distance and those that will fail to do so, either because they don’t meet one of the 24 cut-offs or because they buckle under the relentless pressure and choose not to continue, but just by signing up, these Challengers have already pushed themselves further than most people ever will.
Now in its 3rd year, and having already raised R450,000 for CHOC in 2022 and 2023, the SBBU is growing from strength to strength as more and more people look to push themselves beyond their self-imposed limitations. Some Challengers take on the SBBU as part of their Comrades training plan, others instead of Comrades (I mean, who needs to run 89 kilometres when you can run 100 kilometres or 161 kilometres?), some for the camaraderie and others just because they have Spartan hearts and the grit that’s needed to overcome physical and mental exhaustion. As my great mate and co-founder Roberto Riccardi says though…. “It’s not a Challenge for everyone and success is unlikely.”
We have a number of incredible Sponsors who have come on board each year to support the SBBU and to ensure that the funds raised by the Challengers are put to great use by CHOC and I would personally like to thank them for their generosity and backing. Without this support the SBBU simply wouldn’t be what is today.
There are also a number of incredible people who have selflessly given their time and energy to help ensure the SBBU 2024 lives up to its expectations – my huge thanks to Les Mc Donald, Jayde Fouche, Richard Laskey, Roberto Riccardi and Gerald Yapp. Massive thanks in advance, as well, to the many supporters who will work tirelessly over the 24 hours to manage, photograph and video the event and to second our Challengers.
With the clock rapidly counting down towards the 27th and 28th April, I would like to thank each one of the SBBU 2024 Challengers for heeding the call of duty and to wish them herculean strength in their training. I am really looking forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you on the starting line and to surpassing our limitations…together!
Awoo, Awoo, Awoo!
Johnny Cobra
John Sikiotis / Johnny Cobra
Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 50.
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge but DNF’d on his first 100 mile Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 36 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
The 100 miler kicked my butt last year but a true Spartan Baby doesn’t lie down and accept failure – he gets up, dusts himself off, hones his skills, gets stronger and settles the score!
Roberto Riccardi / Belloc72
Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 51.
Successful on both his prior 100 kilometre Challenges.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours and 1 minute
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Going for the SBBU hat trick will add me to a company of running legends. Veni, vidi, SBBU vici!
Alberto Riccardi / Alberticus Spartacus The First
Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 56.
Successful on both his prior 100 kilometre Challenges.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 20 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Connected to the founders.
Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 58.
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
Fastest overall Challenger in the 2022 SBBU.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 58 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Because I’m Greek.
Les Mc Donald / Bia Figmo
Entering her 3rd SBBU at the age of 54.
Successful on both her prior 100 kilometre Challenges.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 45 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I’m an OG member and I’m friends with the Captain and his Missus! And the other committee members! And cos I’ve been pressurised to enter!
Simone Mann / Mustang Mann
Entering her 3rd SBBU at the age of 47.
Successful on both her prior 100 kilometre Challenges.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
- No marathons run to date
Patrick Devine / Paddy
Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 57.
DNF’d on his first 100 kilometre Challenge but successful on his second 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 56 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Sure thing.
Paulo Pereira / Paulo
Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 55.
Successful on both his prior 100 kilometre Challenges.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 46 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Not sure.
Roger Zipp / Blitz
Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 62.
Successful on both his prior 100 kilometre Challenges.
Fastest overall Challenger in the 2023 SBBU.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 2 hours 43 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
The mind needs to be allowed a chance to be put to the test to separate the true grit from meaningless assumptions. Life must be lived. Success and failure are both impostors.
Warwick van Breda / Warmonger
Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 44.
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge but DNF’d on his first 100 mile Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 12 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I once passed out on a Yoga mat in caterpillar pose. I have completed Cape Epic in a cow suit.
Michael Rae / Lord NinjaNaai
Entering his 3rd SBBU at the age of 52.
Successful on both his prior 100 kilometre Challenges.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 45 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Because only SBBU is fitting for a Lord.
Hazel Moller / Crazy Hazy
Entering her 3rd SBBU at the age of 51.
Successful on both her prior 100 mile Challenges.
Only Challenger to complete a 100 mile SBBU.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 22 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Because someone has to make sure John and Warwick finish 100 miles, and Princess and Bricus get to the start.
Giacomo Riccardi / Flightless Eagles
Entering their 3rd SBBU at mixed ages.
Successful on both their prior 100 kilometre Challenges but DQ’d as no teams are allowed.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- No marathons run to date
Why are we putting our bodies and minds through this?
Because we are young and cocky and want to be like our parents.
Dimitra Sikiotis / Atlanta
Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 51.
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- No marathons run to date
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Becoming a Spartan 2023 baby was my first challenge and now I am ready for the 2024 title of Spartan Baby!
Luis da Silva / Luigikus
Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 55.
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 9 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I have no basis on which to motivate why I should be considered. It would just be an honour to be part of this momentous occasion and I commit to do my bit to raise funds.
Denleigh Wilensky / Testosterone
Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 52.
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 50 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Need a challenge.
Peet Opperman / Dwala
Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 43.
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 8 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Because I can and love raising funds for the Kids. Last year was an amazing experience. I need a proper challenge every year, the SBBU is a great way to challenge my body and mind, whilst connecting with some amazing people! And running through the night is loads of fun and gives me a great excuse to drink beer!
Andiswa Mahlumba / The Hibernator
Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 35.
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 34 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I have done a marathon or 2.or 3 but this is mostly because my mind has it’s own mind, and that mind wants to experience hallucinations again. Besides not being sure if I can resist Johnny Cobra’s convincing smirk at work. I still have not figured out which one is more difficult between SBBU and Comrades. Until I have figured this out, please allow me to line up for both, while I figure out, which one gives me more hallucinations.
Thabang Maimane / Shakes
Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 38.
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 20 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
To see how far I can push myself.
Ashley Cook / Invictus
Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 51.
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 40 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Because I love pain 😉 And because I have a short memory of the last time I participated….
Mary Dias / Mez
Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 53.
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 5 hours 0 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Because I am strong and I can do anything with God on my side.
Claudia Freeman / Claudia the Great
Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 43.
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 18 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Love it. The Great.
Claudette Muir / Chloe
Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 48.
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- No marathons run to date
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I’m a Spartan soul. Klaar.
Simone du Preez / Simzo
Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 29.
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge but DQ’d as teams aren’t allowed.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 20 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I’m not a quitter. Robbie Riccardi told me to.
Wayne Keet / Keeto
Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 50.
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 2 hours 59 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Anything that is a challenge and for CHOC.
Mike Kenny / Irish Spartan
Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 65.
DNF’d on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge (on the last loop!).
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 5 hours 2 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Unfinished business.
Coral Swanepoel / Coral the Conqueror
Entering her 2nd SBBU at the age of 37.
Successful on her prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 48 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I did it last year and have too much FOMO to miss out again. Just loved it.
Richard Laskey / Bovis Dickus
Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 51.
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge (in a CHOC Cow suit!).
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 2 hours 47 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Because I said please.
Stuart Gray / Scouts Honour
Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 25.
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge.|
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 5 hours 40 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I would like to improve my average lap times in comparison to last years SBBU.
Nicky de Gouveia / Portuguese Man of War
Entering his 2nd SBBU at the age of 51.
Successful on his prior 100 kilometre Challenge.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 54 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Great cause luv supporting CHOC!
Rob Ohlson de Fine / OdF
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 42
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- No marathons run to date
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
What better way is there to test your resolve?
Colin McCrorie / Highlander
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 71.
The oldest Challenger.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 45 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Last fling of the dice.
Sean Deeley / Squeely
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 47.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 45 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Cause I can. Cause I want to.
Nico Herbst / Achilles
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 42.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- No marathons run to date
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I’ve done many 21km and 32km runs. Also doing 2 Oceans 56km and Comrades in 2024, this will be good training.
Craig van der Westhuizen / Agteros
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 49.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 23 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Can’t be out done on and off the road by Spartan Squeely.
Lene Barrett / Queen Gorgo-nzola Budd
Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 42.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 42 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
After only starting to take running seriously last year, this year I completed my very first half marathon in January and went on to complete my first marathon in October, so I believe I have the right qualities to take the SBBU challenge head on next year. Planning and being prepared is second nature to me with having had filled the role of back up support for 24-hour MTB events for over 2 years. I also share genes with last year’s ladies Munga winner 🙂
Larry Wilensky / Themistocles
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 56.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 35 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
For the challenge. I cannot have my wife being the only Spartan in the family, would be a sin.
Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 46.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 5 hours 12 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Firstly to raise money for CHOC, to test my mental strength.
Zukiswa Mahlumba / Peanut
Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 40.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 15 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
1) I will be running for a good cause and love of life.
2) It is a different challenge mentally and physically compared to ‘traditional’ marathons and ultras.
3) I promised my sister I will run it; she says I “will not find rest”.
Craig Swanepoel / Richard of Dionysus
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 44.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 30 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
A man for endurance events.
Rui Morais / Eagle Boy
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 39.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 25 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
This is what happens when you sign a serviette.
Claire Sandwell / Artemis
Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 52.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 6 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Running for a good cause.
Shirley-Ann Oakley-Brown / Soteria
Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 61.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 1 minute
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I have done the Cape Town marathon recently and it reminded me that I do want to do one more Comrades in my green number. I ran for Choc in 2018 when I did my 10th Comrades. I would like to have the opportunity to contribute once again.
Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 39.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 32 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I really want to do this challenge, I have wanted to do this for the past two years and today I decided to enter. I have done comrades and this will be an amazing challenge and accomplishment to achieve.
Marie Wells / Gladiator
Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 54.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 56 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
To challenge myself and test my stamina and in so doing raise funds for CHOC.
Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 46
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 3 hours 45 minutes
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Determined, there is always a way to the finish line
Dean Vercueil / Deano
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 26.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 5 hours 1 minute
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I heard about this event through a friend and the family and I would love to help the CHOC Foundation raise funds by participating in this event as cancer has taken its toll on our own personal family.
Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 55.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 miles
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I never give up and will push myself to the limit.
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 41.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 5 hours 1 minute
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
What better way is there to see what you’re made of?
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 36.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- TBC……
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Training for Comrades.
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 52.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- No marathons run to date
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
- I moaned enough last year about not being invited to join – so this year there is no chance I am not joining the fun.
- The camaraderie of runners, motivating those when they are struggling and getting pushed when I am – doing this for a great cause.
- We all have a warrior inside of us that every now and then needs to be let out. This is one of those opportunities that I think is a life changing event. I want to go to that dark place and see what is on the other side.
- Quit is not a thing – die perhaps, but quit – NO. I need to do this. Every now and then we are presented with an opportunity to make a difference through our endeavours. This is one of those times.
- SBBU participants inspire all others who witness their achievements and it motivates them to be better people, it encourages us to push through our own pre-defined limitations and walk out the other side with new belief in our abilities and most importantly, it shines a bright spotlight on the struggles of kids with cancer and how they fight every day.
- I am ready.
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 56.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 5 minute
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I love the ethos of the Spartan warriors. I also love endurance events that include mental toughness.
Entering his 1st SBBU at the age of 52.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
Fastest marathon completed:
- 4 hours 4 minute
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
I’m friends with Crazy Hazy, so I guess a bit of the crazy rubbed off.
Entering her 1st SBBU at the age of 19.
2024 Challenge to conquer:
- 100 kilometres
- The youngest Challenger
Fastest marathon completed:
- No marathons run to date
Why am I putting my body and mind through this?
Because so many people believe I couldn’t finish and I want to prove to them and myself that I am stronger than that and more than capable.
