GREENVILLE

You think you’re strong? Here’s a chance to prove it

In Lang’s Gym’s first Strongman Competition a year ago, Steve Carter of Greenville, hauled a 1,100-pound weighted wheelbarrow to clinch the heavyweight division championship.

Carter will return July 29 to defend his title against what organizer Barry Lang hopes will be a larger field of competitors.

Lang said he is offering an incentive this year that he didn’t offer last year -- cash prizes.

The second annual Strongman’s Competition will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in a parking lot behind Lang’s Gym in downtown Greenville.

A band will start playing at noon. With food and music on the side, Lang said he is hoping the competition becomes a family event. "The kids really enjoy watching them compete," he said.

Lang said he is hoping to see 30 to 40 competitors this year. They come from throughout western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. The first competition last year attracted 15.

"We had a lot of fun with it last year, but it will be bigger this year," Lang said.

For the first time, prizes of $500 for first place in each division, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place will be offered.

Lightweight division tops out at 175 pounds. The middleweight division is from 176 pounds to 210 pounds and heavyweights are over 210 pounds.

Competitors will be timed in keg loading, truck pull, and sled dragging contests. Weights will be stacked for the weighted wheel barrel pull.