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Harrogate strongman set to compete for British title

Friday, 7 November 2025 08:03

Luke Richardson will contest Britain's Strongest Man 2026.

Harrogate's Luke Richardson is set to represent the town on one of the sport’s biggest stages after being confirmed among the competitors for Britain’s Strongest Man 2026.

The event, which takes place at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on Saturday 7th February, will see twelve of the UK’s top strength athletes battle for the prestigious Geoff Capes Memorial Trophy - the opening contest of next year’s Official Strongman World Tour.

For Luke, who grew up in Harrogate and has become one of the country’s most accomplished strongmen, the competition marks another major milestone in a remarkable comeback year.

The 28-year-old was sidelined by a serious biceps injury earlier in 2025, but returned to competition in October to win the World Tour Finals in Glasgow - his first major victory since surgery.

Now, he’s looking to carry that momentum into the national stage against a field that includes several former champions.

Among those returning are reigning Britain’s Strongest Man Luke Stoltman, his brother and three-time world champion Tom Stoltman and two-time British titleholder Adam Bishop.

Luke, who also holds the title of Europe’s Strongest Man, will be joined by a host of other leading names in strength sport, including Graham Hicks, Paddy Haynes, Gavin Bilton, Andrew Flynn, Kane Francis, Ben Glasscock, Callum Crozier and Ruairi O’Hagan.

The competitors will face five gruelling events – the Circus Press Medley, Car Walk, Axle Deadlift, Sack Toss and Power Stairs – all designed to test a combination of strength, endurance and technique.

Tickets for Britain’s Strongest Man 2026 are available now at www.giants-live.com/bethere.

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