John O'Groats Strongest Man title up for grabs with £1000 top prize
The title of John O'Groats Strongest Man will be up for grabs this weekend as competitors put themselves through a series of gruelling challenges.
The end-of-the-road roundabout near John O'Groats harbour will again be cordoned off to form a circular arena and organiser Kevin Macgregor is hoping for a good turnout of spectators.
It starts at 10am on Sunday and is likely to run for four to five hours.
There is a £1000 prize and an engraved glass trophy for the winner, with a second prize of £400 and £200 for third.
Categories are Keg-Loading Medley, Farmer's Walk, World's Strongest Man Squat, Monster Dumbbell Press, Apollon's Axle Deadlift, Fingal's Finger and Power Stairs.
It is hoped that Kris Hamilton and Jason Anderson will be among the contenders, with others still to be confirmed.
Kevin himself – a previous winner – will miss out on the chance to regain the title. He has had to take a year off from strongman activities as he gets back to fitness after an arm injury but hopes to be back competing in 2023.
"I'm letting my body heal after the injury and have just been taking some time out," he said.
The reigning champion is Zake Muluzi, the self-styled “Malawian Monster” based in Nairn, who came out on top in August 2021. Zake is unavailable this weekend because of work commitments.
This will be the fifth John O'Groats Strongest Man and it is again being sponsored by a number of local businesses. Kevin says he is grateful for their support and he also thanked Robbie Anderson for making equipment
A snack van will be in attendance and a raffle will be held with funds going to good causes locally.
Encouraging the public to come along and enjoy the occasion, Kevin said: "It's something different, it's entertaining, it's impressive, and it only happens once a year up here."
