Charm City Strongwoman was born from love and loss. This contest honors my sister, Charlotte Giza, who lived fiercely through 3½ years with colon cancer before passing on February 11, 2015. She was my inspiration, my other half, and the reason this event exists.
We also compete in memory of two more incredible women: Jan Avengine, a FiveX3 member who passed from terminal cancer on February 2, 2022, and Olivia Graham, wife of our own Joy Holland, who died from metastatic breast cancer in September 2024.
These women were strong, fierce, and lived life to the fullest. We miss them terribly. This contest is for them.
This is our final Charm City Strongwoman. After 15 years, we’re closing this chapter with gratitude.
Thank you to every competitor, volunteer, and supporter. There would not have been a Charm City Strongwoman Contest without YOU.
Competition Details
Date:
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Location:
Fivex3 Training, 4015 Foster Avenue, Baltimore
Schedule:
Rules at 9am | Lifting 9:30am–1pm
Weigh-ins:
Saturday, June 6 (10am–12:30pm)
Sunday, June 7 (8am–9am)
Divisions
Novice
- Lightweight: 140 & under
- Middleweight: 140.1-185.0
- Heavyweight: 185.1+
Open
- Lightweight: 140 & under
- Middleweight: 140.1 – 185.0
- Heavyweight: 185.1+
Masters
- Masters A: 185.0 & under
- Masters B: 185.1 +
Masters must be 40 years old or older
on date of event
The meet directors reserve the right to move you to another division.
Divisions will be combined if there are not more than 5 in a division.
Events
All events follow standard strongwoman rules: Competitors will be called in order, 60-second setup time, wait for judge’s “Go” cue to start.
Straps and tacky are not allowed unless noted
Event #1: Max Weight Axle Deadlift
Three attempts to lift maximum weight, 20 lb jumps between attempts.
Novice
- Lightweight Starts at 185lbs
- Middleweight Starts at 200lbs
- Heavyweight Starts at 225lbs
Open
- Lightweight Starts at 200lbs
- Middleweight Starts at 225lbs
- Heavyweight Starts at 250lbs
Masters
- Masters Starts at 200lbs
Event #2: Log Press for Max reps
60 seconds to complete as many clean-and-press reps as possible. Log must start on ground, finish with full lockout (locked elbows, extended hips/knees, feet parallel, weight over/behind ears). Wait for judge’s “Down!” cue before moving to the next rep and implement.
Novice
- Lightweight: 95lbs
- Middleweight: 105lbs
- Heavyweight: 115lbs
Open
- Lightweight: 95lbs
- Middleweight: 115lbs
- Heavyweight: 135lbs
Masters
- Masters: 105lbs
Event #3: Carry Medley
Complete three carries in sequence within 60 seconds: Farmers handles, Chain drag, and Anvil carry (50 feet each)
Novice
- Lightweight: 190/Chain/Anvil
- Middleweight: 230/Chain/Anvil
- Heavyweight: 270/Chain/Anvil
Open
- Lightweight: 230/Chain/Anvil
- Middleweight: 270/Chain/Anvil
- Heavyweight: 300/Chain/Anvil
Masters
- Masters : 230/Chain/Anvil
Event #4: Slam Ball Weight for Max Height
Three throws for maximum height. Feet must stay behind line while facing forward. Best throw counts.
Novice
- Lightweight: 10lbs
- Middleweight: 15lbs
- Heavyweight: 20lbs
Open
- Lightweight: 15lbs
- Middleweight: 20lbs
- Heavyweight: 20lbs
Masters
- Masters: 15lbs
Event #5: Stone over Bar
60 seconds to complete max reps lifting stone over bar. Tacky is allowed.
Novice
- Lightweight: 115lbs
- Middleweight: 135lbs
- Heavyweight: 165lbs
Open
- Lightweight: 135lbs
- Middleweight: 165lbs
- Heavyweight: 185lbs
Masters
- Masters: 135lbs
Registration
Registration Fee: $60 (non-refundable)
Registration Opens: Saturday, February 7
Registration Closes: Saturday, May 30
Register by Monday, May 18 to guarantee a Charm City Strongwoman T-Shirt
How to Register:
- Complete the Registration Form
- Submit registration fee using the PayPal button below
Important: You must complete BOTH registration steps. Submitting the registration form without submitting the registration fee (or vice versa) does not secure your spot.
