SAMSON CHALLENGE 2021 IS SOLD OUT!
If you want to get on the waiting list, please e-mail susannap@jccabq.org
Flip tires more than twice your weight. Trudge, sweat, and grunt your way to the finish line. Push your limits, test your strength and have a blast along the way with the 6th annual Samson Challenge!
This event is a unique obstacle course combining endurance, strongman, crossift and adventure race activities all in one. Locally produced by the JCC of Greater Albuquerque, this heart pumping challenge is every adrenaline junkie's dream come true.
The Samson Challenge can be taken on competitively - or just for fun - at any fitness level. You can compete as a Warrior, Jock, Not-So-Average Joe/Jane, Masters (50+), and Rock Stars (65+). You can also compete with a friend in the Coed Jock-level partner challenge. All levels' winners will receive great prizes!
Events include: rowing, tire flips, sandbag carry (with army crawl & hay bale obstacles), spartan pull, tire pull, yoke carry, agility matrix, overhead lunges with straight leg sit ups, medicine ball toss and a water wade. Samson Athlete Prep video will be published soon on the JCC Samson Challenge Facebook Page and our website!
This year we are bringing back our 5th annual Truck Pull. Athletes will pull a truck weighing half-ton for 25 meters and fastest time will win! There are categories for both men & women! Warrior level Samson participants that also participate in the truck pull are eligible for SuperAthlete category, and prizes are awarded to the top three!
JCC is also proud to present our 4th annual Junior Samson. This special course is designed for young athletes ages 5-14. The kids course has more focus on agility, balance and endurance than just pure strength, and it is always a blast!
Everyone can be Samson Strong!
Samson Challenge Event Standards 2021
Event 1 – Rowing
Athletes will begin on the rower. Each athlete is permitted to set their damper to the desired setting.
Warrior Men – 1000 meters Warrior Women – 1000 meters
Jock Men – 750 meters Jock Women – 750 meters
Not-So-Ave. Joe Men – 500 meters Not-So-Average Jane – 500 meters
Master’s Male – 500 meters Master’s Female – 500 meters
Rockstar Male – 400 meters Rockstar Female – 400 meters
- Partner Samson – each participant will row 500 meters simultaneously
Event 2 – Tire Flips
The athlete will advance to their prescribed tire. Ten total tire flips must be completed. Tire will be flipped 5 times forward. Then participant will switch to the other end of tire and flip it 5 times back. If tire is too heavy for the athlete to complete all 10 flips, the athlete is allowed to take a penalty for advancement. A one-minute penalty will be assessed for each uncompleted repetition. This will be added to the total time of the athlete at the completion of the course.
Example – 3 non completed repetitions = 3 minute penalty
Warrior Men – Red tire (390lbs) Warrior Women – Orange tire (280lbs)
Jock Men – Purple tire (280lbs) Jock Women – Green tire (171lbs)
Not-S0-Ave. Joe Men – Gray tire (171lbs) Not-So-Average Jane – Pink tire (83lbs)
Master’s Men – Yellow tire (125lbs) Master’s Women – Pink tire (83lbs)
Rockstar Men – Yellow tire (125lbs) Rockstar Women – Blue tire (45lbs)
- Partner Samson – partners flip a female jock level tire (Green 171lbs) to one another for a total of 20 flips. The tire must hit the ground after each flip.
Event 3 – Spartan Pull
Each athlete will advance to their prescribed rope/kettlebell. Athlete will sit down, place their heels on the wall, grab their rope and pull their kettlebell all the way up 10 reps. Movement is to be done in a seated position, with bottom down at all times. If the bag is too heavy for athlete to finish all 10 reps, the athlete can take a penalty. There will be one-minute penalty for each uncompleted repetition.
Warrior Men – 50lbs Red KB Warrior Women – 40lbs Orange KB
Jock Men – 40lbs Purple KB Jock Women – 30lbs Green KB
Not-So-Ave. Joe Men – 30lbs Gray KB Not-So-Average Jane – 15lbs Pink KB
Master’s Men – 30lbs Yellow KB Master’s Women – 15lbs Pink KB
Rockstar Men – 30lbs Yellow KB Rockstar Women – 10lbs Blue KB
- Partner Samson – One partner will pull the appropriate Jock-level bag( Purple for males and Green for females) 10 reps while the other partner holds a plate (35lbs) above their heads. When 10 reps are reached, partners will switch.
Event 4 - Sandbag Run
After Spartan Pull is completed athlete will advance to the sandbag station and pick up their appropriately labeled sandbag. Run will then take place around the field; in a clearly marked off course. This run will be 2 total laps around the field (approximately 600m). During each lap athlete will army crawl with their sandbag through the netting on the east side of the field and go over haybale obstacles.
Rockstar (65+) Modification: 1-lap only!
Below are the specific weight requirements for the sandbag run:
Warrior Men – 50lb sandbag Red Warrior Women – 30lb Sandbag Orange
Jock Men – 30lb Sandbag Purple Jock Women – 20lb Sandbag Green
Joe/Masters – 20lb Sandbag Gray/ Yellow Jane/Masters – 10lb Sandbag Pink
Rockstar Men – 20lb Sandbag Yellow Rockstar Women – 5lb Sandbag Blue
- Partners will run together for 3 laps while carrying one male Jock-level bag Purple. Each team can decide how to carry the bag as they deem appropriate. Both partners will crawl under the net during each lap and climb over haybale obstacles.
Event 5 – Sled Pull.
Athlete will load their sled with an appropriate amount of weight, pull at any technique (front/back/any grip) for 25 meters, turn the sled around and pull back for another 25 meters. Athletes can NOT shorten the rope, and hands need to be placed at the loops at the end of the rope. After the total of 50 meters pull – athlete will have to unload and turn the sled around for the next contestant.
Tire weight is 65lbs for warriors - Red & Orange Marked Tire
Tire weight is 55lbs for all other categories. Purple, Green, Gray, Yellow, Pink, Blue
Warrior Men – 170lbs Load: 3 x 35lbs Warrior Women – 115lbs Load: 2 x 25lbs
Jock Men – 130lbs Load: 3 x 25lbs Jock Women – 90lbs Load: 1 x 25lbs + 1 x 10lbs
Avg Joe/Masters – 105lbs Load 2 x 25lbs Avg Jane/Masters – 65lbs: Load 1 x 10lbs
Rockstar Men – 85lbs Load 3 x 10lbs Rockstar Women – 55lbs: Tire only
- Partners will pull one Warrior men’s tire Red in unison (each partner will be pulling from one handle) They will load 3 x 35lbs to the Warrior Tire.
Event 6 – Yoke Carry
Athlete will carry designated yoke on their shoulders (behind head) until 80-meter mark, turn around, and carry the yoke back to start. Athlete can place the yoke down for a break at any time and continue when they are recovered.
Warrior Men – 50lbs/side Red Warrior Women – 30lbs/side Orange
Jock Men – 30lbs/side Purple Jock Women – 20lbs/side Green
Not-So-Av Joe/Master –20lbs/side Gray Not-So-Avg Jane/Master – 15lbs/side Pink
Rockstar Men – 20lbs/side Yellow Rockstar Women – 10lbs/side Blue
- For partners, they will carry two yokes: 1 on their left shoulder and another one on the right shoulder in a line, facing the same direction. Yoke is female Jock-level, Green.
Event 7 – Agility Matrix
Athletes will be required to complete 2 agility matrix (high knee walk/jump) and then sprint/jog/walk back. Athletes will not go through matrix as they return.
- Partners will complete the same course, but must stay together.
Event 8- Overhead Lunges
Athlete will pick up their dedicated barbell, place it in overhead position and lunge 25 meters. Back Knee must touch the ground. Once athlete reaches the 25-meter mark, she/he will perform 25 straight leg sit ups with barbell overhead, then athlete will lunge back. If you decide to skip this station, there will be 10-minute penalty. If you can’t touch the knee to the ground, you can inform your referee this before starting the Samson race, lunge to your best ability and referee will add 2-minute penalty to your time.
Rockstar Modification: Bar can be carried on shoulders
No Knee touch to ground required
25 sit ups without a bar
Walk/Jog back without lunging
Warrior Men – 18lbs Red Warrior Women – 18lbs - Orange
Jock Men – 18lbs Purple Jock Women – 15lbs Green
Not-So-Av Joe/Master – 15lbs Gray ,Yellow Not-So-Avg Jane/Master – 12lbs Pink
Rockstar Men – 15lbs YELLOW Yellow Rockstar Women – 9lbs Blue
- Partners will each lunge with their Jock-level bar (Purple for males and Green for females). Sit ups will be bent kneed, no bar and include a high-five after each of the 25 reps.
200m Sprint/Jog/Walk/Crawl to Sand Volleyball Court
Athletes will follow the clearly marked path from the field to the #9 event at the sand volleyball court. This is an approximately 200meter sprint/jog/walk.
Event 9 – Medicine Ball Toss
Athlete will receive their designated weighted medicine ball and will complete 10 repetitions. Each repetition will consist of a squat, thrust and toss, resulting in the medicine ball clearing the top of the volleyball net and landing on the opposite side. Athlete will then retrieve their ball and repeat, for 10 repetitions total. The medicine ball HAS TO TOUCH THE GROUND in between throws. Inability to complete all repetitions will result in 10 min. penalty. 1-minute penalty will be assessed for each uncompleted repetition. Upon completion of all repetitions, athlete will advance through the gate closest to the volleyball court, into the pool area.
Warrior Men – 30lbs Red Warrior Women – 20lbs Orange
Jock Men – 20lbs Purple Jock Women – 14lbs Green
Not-So-Av Joe/Master – 14lbs Yellow / Gray Not-So-Av Jane/Master – 6lbs Pink
Rockstar Men – 14lbs Yellow Rockstar Women – 4lbs Blue
- Partners will throw Jock Men’s ball (Purple 20lbs) to each other for 20 total reps. Athletes will catch each other’s throws.
Event 10 – Wade the Water with overhead Carry!
Athlete will remove shoes, and if they choose to, clothes as well (bathing suit required…) pick up their dedicated weight and jump FEET FIRST into shallow end of the pool into one of the Samson-dedicated lap lanes based on their height. Athlete will carry a dedicated weight over their head while walking in the water. Athlete will walk from one end to the next and back. Athlete needs to return the weight back to pick-up location for the next athlete.
Lanes are dedicated for various heights.
Lane 1. 5’-5’3”, Lane 2. 5’4”-5’7”, Lane 3. 5’8”-5’11”, Lane 5. 6’+
Weights to be carried overhead:
Warrior Men – 45lbs Red Warrior Women – 35lbs Orange
Jock Men – 35lbs Purple Jock Women – 25lbs Green
Not-So-Av Joe/Master – 25lbs Yellow / Gray Not-So-Av Jane/Master – 10lbs Pink
Rockstar Men – 25lbs Yellow Rockstar Women – 5lbs Blue
- Partners will carry one 50lbs weight together. Both athletes’ hands must be on the weight.
To finish the course and lock in a final time, athlete will sound the buzzer/bell, located several feet outside the pool.
*If an athlete chooses to skip any event, she/he will receive a 10 min penalty.
Check out this video for Athlete Prep:
Registration fees
Warrior Male Closed
Online registration closed-
Warriors are Samson Challenge's top athletes - advanced level of fitness is required. All obstacles are performed with the heaviest equipment. See JCC's Samson Challenge video and event standards for more information.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Warrior Female Closed
Online registration closed-
Warriors are Samson Challenge's top athletes - advanced level of fitness is required. All obstacles are performed with the heaviest equipment. See JCC's Samson Challenge video and event standards for more information.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Jock Male Closed
Online registration closed-
This level requires athleticism, intermediate level of fitness, and is well-suited for Weekend Warriors. Please see JCC Samson Video and event standards for reference.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Jock Female Closed
Online registration closed-
This level requires athleticism, intermediate level of fitness, and is well-suited for Weekend Warriors. Please see JCC Samson Video and event standards for reference.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Not-So-Average Joe Closed
Online registration closed-
This event is open for everyone - requires a beginning level of fitness and a whole lot enthusiasm.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Not-So-Average-Jane Closed
Online registration closed-
This event is open for everyone - requires a beginning level of fitness and a whole lot enthusiasm.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Masters - Male Closed
Online registration closed-
Master's Level Samson Challenge is for awesome athletes over 50 years of age! Please see JCC Samson Video & Event Standards for reference
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Masters - Female Closed
Online registration closed-
Master's Level Samson Challenge is for awesome athletes over 50 years of age! Please see JCC Samson Video & Event Standards for reference
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Rockstar - Male Closed
Online registration closed-
Rockstar Level Samson Challenge is for awesome athletes over 65 years of age! Please see JCC Samson Video & Event Standards for reference.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Rockstar - Female Closed
Online registration closed-
Rockstar Level Samson Challenge is for awesome athletes over 65 years of age! Please see JCC Samson Video & Event Standards for reference.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Partner Samson Closed
Online registration closed-
Partner Samson is performed with Jock level weights and similar standards, with adjustments made for a co-ed team of two to compete together. Please see JCC Samson Video & Event Standards for reference.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registraion
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Super Athlete (Samson & Truck Pull Combo) - Male Closed
Online registration closed-
Calling for all SUPER ATHLETES! Only select few have done this in past - compete in both in Warrior level -Samson & Truck Pull!
-
$85.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$95.00
Regular Pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$115.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Super Athlete (Samson & Truck Pull Combo) - Female Closed
Online registration closed-
Calling for all SUPER ATHLETES! Only select few have done this in past - compete in both Warrior - level Samson & Truck Pull!
-
$85.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$95.00
Regular Pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$115.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Truck Pull - Male Closed
Online registration closed-
Strong like a bull? Come pull the truck on our 5th annual Truck Pull.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular Pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
Truck Pull - Female Closed
Online registration closed-
Strong like a bull? Come pull the truck on our 5th annual Truck Pull.
-
$50.00
Early Bird Pricing
Jun 1 – Jun 30 -
$60.00
Regular pricing
Jul 1 – Aug 31 -
$75.00
Late Registration
Sep 1 – Sep 10
-
JUNIOR SAMSON Closed
Online registration closed-
Samson Challenge for kids' ages 5-14. This course mimics Samson Challenge, but is designed for young athletes with concentration on agility and fun!
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$25.00Jun 1 – Jun 30
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$25.00Jul 1 – Aug 31
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$25.00Sep 1 – Sep 10
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Contact information
- Event contact
- Susanna Pier
- susannap@jccabq.org
- Phone
- 5053320565
- Website
- Visit website
