A GROUP of men pushed their bodies to the limit when they competed against each other in a strongman competition.

A total of 18 competitors took part in the event at Optimal Health and Performance, in Ashe Lane, near Silchester, last Saturday, watched by about 50 spectators.

The musclemen took part in a series of challenges to test their strength, before the overall winner was declared.

Challenges included the farmer’s walk, in which contestants walked 20 metres carrying 90 kilos, an overhead medley, for which the men lifted weights above their head, and a deadlift, for which they had to pick up 200 kilos as many times as possible in 60 seconds.

Participants were also required to pull a two-ton truck.

Judges included Britain’s strongest man Laurence Shahlaei, who competes in world competitions, and Colin Hawkins, who competes for England in competitions.

Chris Mann was declared the overall winner, receiving the title of North Hampshire’s Strongest Novice. He will now be able to go on and compete in intermediate strongman competitions.

Phil Goater, from Optimal Health and Performance, who organised the competition, said: “It went really well. We had a great turnout.”