Strongman Classic

Date: Saturday, September 18, 2010

Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Cody Park

Description:           Contest will feature both men’s and women’s competition in three weight classes. There will be four qualifying events and four championship events. The contest is a non-sanctioned amateur event hosted by Nebraska Athletic Club. Events will include the Rail Walk, Spike Squat; Rail Tie Press, Loader Tire Flip, and the Rail Tie Drag Multi-Medley.

Cost: Free to Spectators. Registration deadline Sept. 5, 2010

Download Registration form HERE

Contact: Tommy Vieyra, 308-530-8977

The annual Rail Fest Strongman Classic Competition allows contestants to test their strength against 250 pounds of railroad spikes, heavy railroad ties and iron rails.

Almost 2,000 visitors lined up along the entrance to the park to watch the men lift railroad ties above their heads, pull iron railings along the ground, and pull a 36,000-pound fully loaded beer truck.

Per capita, the Union Pacific Railroad employees at Bailey Yard have more participants in the UP’s health and wellness program than any other place in the UP system. The Rail Fest Strongman Classic Competition is in part an effort to encourage that, and the cooperation between the railroad and the city of North Platte to promote health and wellness is very positive.

The competition will feature a heavyweight division for men weighing 230 pounds and less, as well as a super-heavyweight division for men weighing more than 231 pounds. It will also feature an open class for women who wish to participate.

The competitors will be put to the test in eight events including a rail tie bench press, dragging a 380-pound railroad tie, squatting a 400-pound bucket of rail spikes and flipping 420-pound tires, all leading up to the main event in which the athletes will pull a fully loaded Miller truck weighing 20,000 pounds.

The event is at the main entrance to Cody Park and is free to the public.