More than 550 competitors will descend on Lismore this weekend for the 2026 Samson Fitness Challenge, one of the region’s major annual fundraisers for sick children.
Now in its 16th year, the Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge raises money for Our Kids, the children’s charity that helps ensure local children can access medical care close to home.
Funds raised this year will go towards the purchase of a ventilator for the Special Care Nursery at Lismore Base Hospital.
The event begins on Friday, 6 March at 5.30pm with the Samson Solo, where competitors tackle the course individually in heats, battling it out for the Solo title.
The main competition begins on Saturday, 7 March at 7am, when teams of four take on a series of gruelling challenges, including strength activities, running, swimming, and an outdoor obstacle course.
Competition in the Elite Men’s division is expected to be intense, with the title race heating up from 12pm. Local world obstacle champion Tony Curtis will field a team, facing strong contenders including The Boaty Boys, who have taken out the title for the past two years.
Saturday’s program will also feature the Conlon Bros Samson Kids – a dedicated obstacle course for children under 12, run by Mr Brad from Fitness Kidz. Sponsored by Conlon Bros Earthmoving and Sea & Sky Sensory Co, the kids’ course includes an inflatable jumping castle, climbing wall, and unlimited obstacle course fun for $10, with an additional $5 for the climbing wall. Volunteers from Summerland Christian College will assist throughout the day.
The 41st Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment (41 RNSWR) will support the event alongside more than 120 volunteers helping the day run smoothly.
Athletes will also have access to the GSAC Health Expo and Southern Cross University (SCU) Recovery Zone, where SCU osteopathy students will work with competitors throughout the day.
Spectators and competitors can also visit Samson Eat Street, featuring Amici Food Van, Boost Juice, Jon’s Food Van, and the Norths Baseball Club BBQ.
For more information, visit Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge, call 0438 417 085, or attend across the weekend to support competitors and Our Kids.
North Coast Times is new! Connect with us by sending press releases to newsdesk@nctimes.com.au or enquire about advertising with us by emailing ads@nctimes.com.au.