2026 Strongest in SoCal
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of fitness, competition, and community at Gymreapers Wodapalooza SoCal. Set against the iconic backdrop of Huntington Beach, California, this three-day fitness and lifestyle festival brings together thousands of athletes, spectators, and leading fitness brands for elite competition, high-energy partner workouts, and an immersive beachside festival experience.
New for 2026, the festival proudly welcomes its first-ever Strongman and Strongwoman competition: Strongest in SoCal.
This event gives strength athletes from all over the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in fitness, testing their power, grit, and determination in front of an electrifying crowd of thousands. Whether you're stepping onto the competition floor or cheering from the sidelines, Strongest in SoCal promises massive lifts, unforgettable moments, and an atmosphere unlike anything else on the beach.
Questions?
Contact Lynn Morehouse directly by email or text.
lynn@trainstrongman.com
(919) 389-2270
Sponsors
Livestream
Event Organizer
Women
Men
Beach Loading Medley
Athletes will carry the first sandbag down the course and load it over a hitching post. Then, they will run around or under the hitching post, pick up and load the sandbag back over the hitching post, then pick up and carry the sandbag again back down to the beginning of the course. Then they will repeat the process for the second sandbag as fast as possible within a 75 sec time limit.
Time and number of bags completed is your score.
Time stops when the last sandbag is returned to the starting area.
Split times will be taken at each sandbag load.
Athlete begins at the sandbag.
Gloves and chalk are allowed.
Equipment not allowed: Tacky, spray adhesives, tack towels, or any other sticky substance, or grip shirts.
150lb Sandbag 2
150lb Sandbag 2
150lb Sandbag 2
150lb Sandbag 2
150lb Sandbag 2
200lb Sandbag 2
200lb Sandbag 2
250lb Sandbag 2
250lb Sandbag 2
250lb Sandbag 2
300lb Sandbag 2
300lb Sandbag 2
Axle Clean & Press
Athletes will clean and press an axle from the ground to overhead for as many reps as possible within a 60 sec time limit.
Score will be the total number of reps completed.
Athletes will start the event at the axle, but not touching.
Athletes must wait for the judge’s command to receive a good rep.
No lift will count unless a down signal is received from the judge.
To receive the down command, feet must be in line with each other, and the head must be in line with the arms. Elbow, knees, and hips must be locked out and stable.
The axle is not allowed to rest on the athlete's head.
All clean methods are allowed, including: squat, power, muscle, zercher, and belt cleans.
For a good rep to count, the athlete must not lose control and drop the axle behind them.
Equipment not allowed: Built-up elbow sleeves (a single elbow sleeve and cuff is acceptable), tacky, spray adhesives, tack towels, or any other sticky substance.
Truck Pull
Athletes will pull a truck down a course as fast as possible within a 60 sec time limit.
Time and total distance completed is your score.
Athletes will start being harnessed to the truck and holding the rope.
Equipment not allowed: Tacky, spray adhesives, tack towels, or any other sticky substance.
Yoke Carry
Athletes will carry a yoke down and back a 50ft/15.24m course as fast as possible within a 60 sec time limit.
Time and total distance completed is your score.
Athletes will start under the yoke.
Athletes will drop, turn, and repick the yoke after the front of the yoke breaks the line.
Unlimited drops are allowed.
Equipment not allowed: Tacky, spray adhesives, tack towels, or any other sticky substance, or grip shirts.
Axle Deadlift
Athletes will deadlift an axle for as many reps as possible within a 60 sec time limit.
Total reps completed is your score.
Athletes will start standing at a line.
Athletes must wait for the judge’s command to receive a good rep.
No lift will count unless a down signal is received from the judge.
To receive the down command, the athlete must demonstrate full lockout with their hips and knees locked out, and their shoulders neutral.
You are NOT ALLOWED to drop the bar from lockout. Your knees and/or hips must unlock before you let go. The judge will have discretion to remove a good lift due to letting go of the bar from the lockout.
Conventional stance only. Hands must be outside of feet and knees.
Deadlift suits and powerlifting briefs are not allowed. (Neoprene briefs below your belly button are allowed)
No baby powder, oils, or any other friction aid is allowed to be applied to your legs.
Lifting straps and chalk are allowed. (Figure 8 straps are allowed, but thumbs must remain in contact with the bar.)
Yoke Squat
Athletes will squat a yoke for as many reps as possible within a 60 sec time limit.
Total reps completed is your score.
Athletes will start under the yoke.
Athletes must wait for the judge’s command to receive a good rep.
No lift will count unless a down signal is received from the judge.
To receive the down command, the athlete must demonstrate full lockout with their hips and knees locked out.
The judge will give an up command after each successful rep and when the yoke is settled back on the ground.
Squat depth for each athlete will be taken before the event.
Squat suits and powerlifting briefs are not allowed. (Neoprene briefs below your belly button are allowed)
Circus Dumbbell Record Breakers
Athlete will clean and press a circus dumbbell for maximum weight within a 60 sec time limit.
Sep 25–27, 2026
Friday · Sunday
Gymreapers Wodapalooza SoCal Fitness Festival
317 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA