Farmer's Walk
Officially Farmer's Walk (Strongman)
Strongman event carrying two heavy implements (up to 175 kg / side) over a set course (~20 m) in fastest time — tests grip, core, posture and speed under load.
What is Farmer's Walk?
Farmer's Walk (also Farmer's Carry) is a foundational strongman event where competitors pick up two heavy weighted implements (traditionally 'farmer handles' with weights up to 150-175 kg / 330-385 lb per hand) and carry them over a fixed distance (typically 15-25 meters) in the shortest time. Formats: (a) Fixed-weight sprint (fastest time); (b) Weight-for-max (longest distance carried with progressive weight). Also common in CrossFit and general fitness training as a full-body conditioning tool. Grip is the most common limiting factor; posture (upright torso, engaged core) and stride mechanics dictate speed. World records for max weight exceed 200 kg per hand for short distances. Regular WSM + Arnold Classic + Giants Live event. Notable dominants: Brian Shaw, Žydrūnas Savickas, Eddie Hall, Rob Kearney, Mitchell Hooper. Also part of Highland Games in modified form.
Quick facts
Category
Strength Sports
Type
Individual
Players
1–1
Duration
~1 min
Where played
outdoor
Country of origin
🇺🇸 United States
Estimated origin
Traditional farming carry; strongman event since ~1980s
Olympic
No
Popularity
major
How it works
Objective
Carry both implements over set distance in fastest time (or farthest at fixed weight).
Match structure
Individual timed sprint; drop = event over (or restart per rules).
Rules
Basic rules
Both implements carried simultaneously
One in each hand throughout the course.
Course must be fully covered
Cross finish line with both implements still gripped.
Timing starts at pickup
Clock starts on first lift attempt.
Scoring
Time-based sprint OR max distance for weight.
Win condition · Fastest full-course time.
Equipment
Farmer handles (2)
Steel handle implements loaded with plates.
Chalk / hooks
Grip aids (per rule set).
Positions & roles
Strongman athlete
×1Sole competitor.
Major competitions
World's Strongest Man Farmer's Walk
annual · worldwide · since 1977
Arnold Strongman Classic
annual · Columbus, Ohio · since 2002
Governing bodies
World's Strongest Man
Founded 1977 · USA/UK
Giants Live
Founded 2009 · UK
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- Brian Shaw
- Žydrūnas Savickas
- Eddie Hall
- Mitchell Hooper
- Rob Kearney
- Tom Stoltman
Records
175 kg per hand event standard
WSM Farmer's Walk — Standard WSM competition weight 150-175 kg per hand (2024)
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Farmer's walk— Wikipedia