Events TRUE NORTH TRUE STRENGTH 2026 OPEN
Sep 19 2026

TRUE NORTH TRUE STRENGTH 2026 OPEN

Local
8:00 AM
RT Health Company
$50 CAD

Event Description

TRUE NORTH TRUE STRENGTH 2026 OPEN

Lift Heavy. Break Records. Have FUN!

This is the first-ever OLD TIME STRONGMAN ORGANIZATION (OTSO) sanctioned competition in Canada you don’t want to miss!

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
  • Location: RT Health Company, 7457 Wellington County Rd 21, Elora, ON N0B 1S0
  • Weigh-ins: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)
  • Lifting Begins: 9:30 a.m. (Eastern Time)
  • Registration Deadline: September 5, 2026 – NO EXCEPTIONS!

MAXIMUM CAPACITY NOTE: There are only 40 spots available for lifters. Registration is first come, first served.

Competition Lifts

Main Competition

  1. Standing EZ Curl Bar
  2. Trap Bar Deadlift

Post-Competition Lift

  • Donald Dinnie Deadlift: Participants can compete for OTSO records or simply try their hand at this legendary lift. The event is split into Raw and Equipped divisions, and each registered lifter will receive three official attempts. While not required, participants may compete in a kilt to celebrate the spirit of the Highland Games; however, the use of underwear is required for all competitors.

WIN a Sandbag Blob from Inclusive Fitness! 🏆

Want to take home this awesome new grip device?

  • Try it out: Take up to 3 attempts lifting the 5 lb Blob on a 12-inch loading pin to see how much you can lift with it.
  • Get entered: Just by testing your grip, you are in the draw!

We will pick the lucky winner after all the lifting is done. Step up and show us what you’ve got!

How to register (complete both steps)

Step 1: OTSO 2026 Membership

  • Requirement: OTSO 2026 membership is mandatory to compete.
  • Fee: $50
  • Complete Membership: Visit www.oldtimestrongman.org.

Step 2: Event Registration & Payment

  • Entry Fee: $50
  • Payment: Send payment by e-transfer to truenorth.truestrength@gmail.com or via PayPal to @TNTS2025. An email will be sent to confirm your spot after payment is received.
  • Email Details: Email the following required information to truenorth.truestrength@gmail.com to complete your registration:
    • First and last name
    • OTSO Membership #
    • Women’s or Men’s division
    • RAW or EQUIPPED division
    • Age on September 19, 2026
    • Current or expected bodyweight
    • T-shirt/Tank top size (All lifters receive free swag—include your preference.)
    • Contact information (email address & phone number; for event details & safety)

Don’t wait—secure your spot today!

Competition Structure & Awards

Placing Determination

Placing in the main competition is determined using the DOTS formula and age factor coefficients. Lifters compete against all others in their age division, regardless of bodyweight class.

Age Divisions

  • Juniors: 12–19 years (includes all sub-groups)
  • Senior A: 20–29 years
  • Senior B: 30–39 years
  • Masters: 40+ years (includes all sub-groups)

Main Competition Awards

Awards are presented separately for Women’s and Men’s divisions in both RAW and EQUIPPED categories.

1. Best Overall Lifters (The “True North” Champions)

The highest honours of the competition are awarded to the top lifters based purely on the DOTS formula score, regardless of age or bodyweight.

  • Overall Best Lifter: RAW
  • Overall Best Lifter: EQUIPPED

2. Age Division Awards

Recognizing excellence within specific age brackets.

  • Top 3 RAW Lifters: Senior A & Senior B
  • Top RAW Lifter: Juniors & Masters
  • Top EQUIPPED Lifter: Senior A, Senior B, Juniors, & Masters

Key Takeaways for Participants

Note: While Age Division awards use age-coefficient scoring, the Best Overall awards are calculated using the standard DOTS formula only. This ensures the “strongest on the day” is recognized across the entire lifting roster.

Note: Additional awards may be added based on participation.

Special Awards

  • Free Swag: All lifters receive a complimentary event T-shirt or tank top (include size in your registration).
  • Medals: Custom medals to all lifters who achieve an OTSO World Record.
  • Certificates: All lifters achieving a National and/or OTSO World Record will receive an official signed OTSO certificate by email.

Spectators

  • Admission: Just $5 to witness Canadian athletes having fun, breaking world records, and smashing personal bests!

Plan Your Stay

We recommend booking accommodations early to secure your spot. Most hotels offer flexible cancellation policies.

Local Accommodation Options

  • The Village Inn (Elora) – 1-888-733-3567
  • Best Western Plus (Fergus) – (519) 843-2100
  • Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton (Guelph) – (519) 821-2144
  • Comfort Inn (Guelph) – (519) 763-1900
  • Airbnbs are also available in Fergus and Elora—check online for options.

Important for International Travellers: Passports are required for all international travellers entering Canada.

Have Questions?

Contact Chris Frappier:

  • Email: truenorth.truestrength@gmail.com
  • Call/Text: 226-821-1740

Join us for a day of strength, records, and community FUN!