Strongmen ready to raise the bar

Organised by Complete Gyms, Ballymoney the new event will also act as a qualifer for the British Championships.

A spokesperson for Complete Gyms told Times Sport: "We're delighted to be able to announce this new and very exciting event.

"The competition includes all the excitement and thrill of Strongman with a phenomenal line-up of athletes with a sporting background in a variety of disciplines.

"Rugby players, powerlifters, tug of war team members, bodybuilders will all be there taking party.

"The only factor restricting entry is age and weight.

"You must be over 18 years of age and have a bodyweight of no more than 90kg at the competition weigh in."

Events on the day will include:

Farmer's walk, yoke and carry medley - fastest time or furthest distance wins. 90 second time limit. Steel log lift – maximum weight, heaviest weight pressed wins.

Arm over arm rope pull with drag - each competitor has to pull a bunch of heavy chains 15 metres from a seated position arm over arm - fastest time or furthest distance wins. 90 second time limit.

Stones – repetitions onto a platform with atlas stones - each rep with standard 100kg stone = one point or large 115 stone = 2 points - Most points in 75 second wins.

Deadlifting – repititions in a frame lifting a massive cast iron axle. Most reps in 75 seconds wins.

Beer barrel loading – five barrels loaded onto platform. Fastest time or most barrels/distance in 90 seconds wins.

Although unlikely, events may change slightly to suit venue and equipment available. The spokesperson added: "This will be a fantastic event for all the family."

The winner of this event and the runner up will qualify to attend the 2010 Under 90kg British Championships held in Birmingham in September. The show will take place from 1pm.

Kinetica Nutrition and Iron Asylum are also backing the show.

For more information visit www.nistrongman.co.uk or email: [email protected]