Hereford's Strongest 2026

The Unit Hereford proudly presents the second annual Hereford's Strongest competition, taking place on Sunday 23rd August 2026.

Built to showcase strength, determination, and competitive spirit, Hereford's Strongest brings together athletes from across the region to battle for the title of Hereford's Strongest 2026.

The competition will feature four categories:

• Men's Novice
• Women's Novice
• Men's Intermediate
• Women's Intermediate

Athletes will compete across five demanding events designed to test every aspect of strength, including maximum strength, grip strength, overhead power, speed, conditioning, and event performance.

Event 1 – Max Deadlift

The opening event will test pure pulling power. Athletes will have three rounds to establish their heaviest successful deadlift, with competitors declaring their opening weight at sign-in before progressing through increasing attempts. No Suits

Event 2 – Farmer's Carry into Sandbag Carry

A fast-paced carry medley that combines grip, speed, and work capacity. Competitors must complete a 20-metre Farmer's Carry before returning to carry and load a sandbag over the finish line within the time limit.

Weights:

Men's Novice: 100kg Farmer's Handles / 100kg Sandbag
Men's Intermediate: 120kg Farmer's Handles / 120kg Sandbag
Women's Novice: 50kg Farmer's Handles / 50kg Sandbag
Women's Intermediate: 80kg Farmer's Handles / 80kg Sandbag

Event 3 – Sandbag Throw

Athletes will throw a series of progressively heavier sandbags over a fixed height, starting with the lightest bag and working towards the heaviest. The fastest athlete to successfully complete all throws will take the win.

Weights:

Men's Novice: 12kg, 14kg, 16kg, 18kg, 20kg
Men's Intermediate: 16kg, 18kg, 20kg, 22kg, 24kg
Women's Novice: 6kg, 8kg, 10kg, 12kg, 14kg
Women's Intermediate: 10kg, 12kg, 14kg, 16kg, 18kg

Event 4 – Axle Clean & Press for Repetitions

Starting from the floor every rep, athletes must clean and press an axle for maximum repetitions within the time limit. Any pressing style is permitted, making this a true test of overhead strength and endurance.

Weights:

Men's Novice: 80kg
Men's Intermediate: 110kg
Women's Novice: 35kg
Women's Intermediate: 50kg

Event 5 – Mystery Grip Event

The final event will test grip strength, resilience, and determination. Full details will remain undisclosed until competition day.

Competition Rules & Scoring

The competition will use standard strongman scoring. Points are awarded based on finishing positions within each category, with the athlete accumulating the highest total score across all five events being crowned Hereford's Strongest 2026.

In the event of a tie, placings will be decided by:

• Most event wins
• Highest individual placings (countback)
• Head-to-head tie-break event

All athletes will receive a full event briefing before each event begins.

The referee's decision is final, and competitors are expected to demonstrate professionalism, sportsmanship, and respect towards fellow athletes, officials, volunteers, and spectators throughout the competition.

Important Information

• All event weights are subject to change at the promoter's discretion.
• Event-specific equipment rules apply.
• Athlete safety will remain the highest priority throughout the competition.
• Registration details and entry information will be released soon.

Whether you're looking to step onto the competition floor for the first time or challenge yourself against some of the strongest athletes in the region, Hereford's Strongest 2026 promises a challenging, competitive, and exciting day of strength sport.