Eight Iron Movement athletes have qualified for the UIPM OCR World Championships, but now face the challenge of raising the funds to represent South Africa in Beijing.
Winston Park, South Africa (21 July 2026) – A group of athletes from Winston Park’s Iron Movement gym is preparing to take South African obstacle course racing to new heights after qualifying for the UIPM OCR World Championships in Beijing, China, this September.
The team will form part of the first South African squad to compete internationally in this division of obstacle course racing, marking a significant moment for the fast-growing sport locally.
The breakthrough came at the South African National Championships in Johannesburg, where eight Iron Movement athletes booked their places on the world stage after impressive performances against the country’s best.
The road to qualification began long before race day. The KwaZulu-Natal athletes travelled to Johannesburg ahead of the event, using the time to settle in, adapt to the Highveld conditions and focus on recovery before tackling one of the toughest competitions on the national calendar.
Race day delivered exactly what they had trained for. The demanding 3km course combined technical obstacles, weighted carries, rugged trails, stream crossings and steep climbs, testing every aspect of an athlete’s fitness, endurance and mental resilience.
Their performances earned them the opportunity to compete in Beijing from 3 to 6 September, where they will take on the world’s top obstacle course racers across multiple disciplines, including explosive sprint events, endurance races and technical obstacle challenges.
For Iron Movement founder and coach Rhain Hoskins, the achievement reflects years of building more than just strong athletes.
“Our athletes earned their spots through pure determination, hard work and community support,” said Hoskins. “Now, we need our community to help us take that final step onto the world stage.”
While qualification has been secured, the biggest challenge now lies off the course.
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Despite the financial hurdle, the team remains focused on preparing for Beijing, with training already shifting towards simulating the demanding conditions they expect to face against the world’s elite.
The athletes have launched a crowdfunding campaign and are appealing to businesses, sports supporters and members of the public to help them make history by proudly representing South Africa on the international stage.
Those who would like to support the team’s journey can do so through their crowdfunding campaign here.
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