The 2026 edition of the Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge is nearly here and the 122 teams that have entered Saturday's main event are ready to go.

The event kicks off on Friday night 6 March, with the Samson Solo, an event for those wanting to take on the challenge individually. The draw will take place at 5:30pm, with heats starting at 6:00pm.

Saturday sees the Team Samson, underway from 7:00am with the first five teams entering the course, with the last teams starting the first leg, the sled pull at 12:30pm.

The Teen and Junior events and the Samson Kids will also be underway on Saturday creating an electric environment at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah.

The Samson Challenge is a four-person team event with each team put through nine gruelling challenges, which include (in order) a sled pull, farmers walk with jerry cans, 130 kg truck tyre flip, dead ball carry, a prowler push, 2x2 km run,1km swim, thrusters, a crazy obstacle course and a burpee challenge to complete.

The last leg is also the most enjoyable, it is the recovery and results celebration at Hotel Lismore.

The quickest team to complete all the challenges wins the coveted Samson Title and bragging rights for the next twelve months.

The Samson is a major fundraiser for Our Kids, the charity that raises money to purchase paediatric equipment for the Children's Ward and Special Care Nursery at Lismore Base Hospital.

The Samson crew are looking for assistance in the following areas: 

Tuesday 24 February – Competitive bag packing (9:30 am – 12:00 pm) 

Friday 6 March – Event set-up (9:00 am – 2:00 pm)

Friday 6 March – Samson Solo (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm)

Saturday 7 March – Event support (morning shift) (6:30 am – 11:30 am)

Saturday 7 March – Event support (afternoon shift) (11:30 am – 3:30 pm)

Saturday 7 March – Pack-up crew (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm)

Register HERE to lend a hand!