WHAT IS THE FORGE CHALLENGE?

The Forge Challenge is a hybrid fitness competition designed for everyday athletes, combining endurance running with strength-based obstacles in a fast-paced competitive environment.

Think of the big names...HYROX, DEKA, and Spartan. All combined in one fitness event build for the Owensboro community!

Athletes will push through

500 Meter Runs

10 strength zones.

Test your strength, endurance, grit, and mental toughness.

But more importantly help Owensboro become a better, fitter, place to live. This event is held in conjunction with Visit Owensboro's "Bluegrass Clash"! This will be a sports summer to remember!

When? July 18, 2026

Where? Owensboro Sports Center

Sign up today at the lowest entry fee

All participants receive

*Finishers Medal

*T Shirt

*Swag Bag from sponsors

*21+ one (1) complimentary adult beverage

Ski Erg

500m SkiErg

The first Forge Challenge zone is 500m on the Ski Erg. This erg predominantly targets the arm, shoulder & core muscles, however when done efficiently, it also involves muscles in the lower body – making the Ski Erg a full body workout.

Sled Push

100 Feet Sled Push

The second zone is 100 feet of Sled Push. This is one station you do not want to come unprepared for… so make sure you try it out at least once before the race and invest in some grippy shoes! All athletes will push their sled loaded with 4 45 pound plates. This movement targets the lower body muscles, including the entire posterior chain, core & anterior thigh muscles in particular.

Sled Pull

100 Feet Sled Pull

Get ready to use your glutes, back, biceps & the entire trunk during zone three – 100 feet of Sled Pull. All athletes will use 3 45 pound plates on their sled

Burpee Broad Jumps

100 Feet Burpee Broad Jump

Born in 1939, the fourth zone is a full body workout that is both loved and hated at the same time. Trying these for the first time may feel hard, but many of our regular athletes now consider this station to be one of their favorites!

Row

500m Row

Zone number five is the second ergometer in this fitness race. 500m of rowing marks the end of the first half of The Forge Challenge

Farmers Carry

300 Feet Farmers Carry

For 300 Feet of Farmers Carry all athletes will carry 2x24 kg kettlebells. The engagement of your upper back muscles, core & grip strength is required. This workout zone is easy to practice on your weekly training...

Tire Flips

At this point in the race we switch gears from fancy equipment and tackle the full body exercise of flipping a tire! Athletes will flip a tire 50 feet, perform 15 sledgehammer hits on the tire, and flip 50 feet back to home base. Sure to be a memorable experience

Sandbag Lunges

200 Feet Sandbag Lunges

20 kilograms on your back whilst lunging? Welcome to workout zone number eight. Primarily targets the thigh and glute muscles, this one is a burner…

Wall Balls

50 Wall Balls

Zone nine...wall balls. The finish so close you can taste it. 50 reps with a 6 kg ball will help you complete this zone

Echo Bike

The final zone to conquer...45 calories on the Echo Bike. Heart pumping, leg burning, and victory close. Conquer the bike and head to the finale!

The Finale

Athletes will finish their challenge by over head carrying a weight 100 feet through the finish line! #forgechallenge #conquered