Burnley and Pendle Strongman competition is a huge success!

The brain child of a Burnley behemoth proved a major success as strongman was introduced to the town.
Burnley & Pendle Strongman PUSH:PULL Challenge 2014Burnley & Pendle Strongman PUSH:PULL Challenge 2014
Burnley & Pendle Strongman PUSH:PULL Challenge 2014

The 30-year-old, who claimed victory in the experienced class of Bolton’s Strongman competition in July, saw his dream become reality as the Burnley and Pendle Strongman Push:Pull Challenge was born.

The event took place at the weekend at Rosegrove Railway Club with 21 competitors across four weight categories battling for success in two disciplines - the log press and deadlift.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Darwen’s Carl Walbank was crowned the Open winner after registering a 340kg deadlift and a 130kg log press, Northwich’s Andy Clark reigned supreme in the under 105kg division with a 305kg deadlift and 130kg log press, Sean Smithson from Nottingham was champion of the under 85kg category after recording a 265kg deadlift and a 115kg log press, while Mirfield’s Ben Smith was crowned champion of the novices with a 310kg deadlift and a 115kg log press.

Burnley & Pendle Strongman PUSH:PULL Challenge 2014Burnley & Pendle Strongman PUSH:PULL Challenge 2014
Burnley & Pendle Strongman PUSH:PULL Challenge 2014

The foursome all qualified for Lancashire’s Strongest Man competition. Elsewhere, Chris Gibbs was also presented with the Mick Coupe award, introduced in honour of the popular Fitness Factory owner who sadly died in September.

“It’s fantastic to see an idea become a reality,” Wayne said. “It’s an awesome feeling.

“The turn out was unbelievable. The amount of people that have come to support us and compete are helping build an interest in Burnley for strongman.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “I was tempted to do it but when I’m competing I like to know that I can give it 100%.

“It doesn’t mean I’m not competing anymore because that’s still on the cards.”

Wayne will now turn his attentions to 2015 as Burnley and Pendle Strongman host a six-event show in March.