Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2020: New dates and venue announced
Britain's Fittest Farmer 2019 winners Sean Cursiter and Fiona Penfold © Colin Miller/RBI This year’s Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition is back on track after months of disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The next round of the popular competition will be held at a farm in Wiltshire across two days in late September.
Over 160 farmers and agricultural workers are already signed up to compete for the £1,000 cash prize and glory of being crowned Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2020. There’s still time to enter on the competition website.
See also: Shape up for Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2020 with our Farm Fit series
What is Britain’s Fittest Farmer?
This competition is designed to get all farmers thinking and talking about their health – physical and mental – to make sure they are in top condition to run their farm businesses.
It aims to support farmers’ amazing work to put food on our plates and care for our countryside, by helping them to ensure they are fit to farm.
We’re looking for farmers who make fantastic ambassadors for health and fitness in agriculture, to help break the taboo of talking about mental health issues such as depression, eating disorders and rural isolation.
Visit the Britain’s Fittest Farmer website for full details and watch the video below to get a taste of what the competition is all about.
Oli Hill, Farmers Weekly‘s community editor and Britain’s Fittest Farmer judge said: “Thanks to everyone who has been patiently waiting for news since we were forced to postpone our original plans earlier this year.
“We’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes to find a way to run the competition in a fun, supportive and Covid-secure way.”
“It’s been a tough time for everyone, but we can think of no better way to lift the mood than with some healthy exercise, a positive mindset and a good dollop of friendly competition.
“We can’t wait to crack on with the competition, which is designed to champion physical and mental health in agriculture and unite the farming community on these important issues.”
See also: Video: 6 simple exercises to keep you fit on the farm
Revised qualifier dates and location
To make it easier to run the event and comply with the government’s Covid-secure guidance, we’re now holding the qualifier round on one farm over a whole weekend.
Location: Marlborough, Wiltshire
Dates: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September
© Colin Miller/RBI
The new, Covid-secure format
To make the competition as safe and as exciting as possible, here’s how the 2020 Britain’s Fittest Farmer qualifier will run.
- Each competitor will be given a time slot to arrive, based on their preferred date.
- You’ll be put into a small group competing against other wannabe champions, spaced out in the field and with your own equipment to use.
- Judge Tom Kemp will put you through a series of physically demanding challenges designed to test your all-round strength, speed and endurance.
- Each challenge will be completed against the clock. The contestants who post the fastest times will progress to the final stages of the competition.
© Colin Miller/RBI
We take your health and safety extremely seriously, so here’s what we’re doing to make the competition Covid-secure, based on government guidance.
- You’ll be competing in the open air, spaced at least 2m apart from others at all times.
- The number of people on site at any time will be limited by giving competitors staggered time slots to arrive and check in.
- Competitors will be asked to leave once they’ve completed their qualifier circuit. We’d love you to stay and support the rest of the event, but we have to limit the number of people on site.
- The equipment will be sanitised in between groups of competitors.
- We’ll be providing alcohol hand gel and wipes on site.
Go to the Britain’s Fittest Farmer website for full details.
Britain’s Fittest Farmer: Our sponsor and partners
Grenadier: Sponsor
Tough, rugged, agile – the new INEOS Grenadier 4X4 will share plenty of traits exhibited by the winner of Britain’s Fittest Farmer. That’s why we’re so pleased to be sponsoring this rural British physical challenge.
As an uncompromising, no frills, off-road vehicle, the Grenadier will provide all the capability, durability and reliability you need to tackle the toughest tasks on the farm. That’s why we see ourselves as the ideal partner for this true test of grit, endurance and strength.
For more information on Grenadier, pay a visit to their website.
Farm Fitness: Partner
Farm Fitness has rapidly become a burning beacon on the UK fitness scene, attracting spectators and participants from all over the country to come and take a swing at its almost alchemic blend of modified strongman, functional bodybuilding, calisthenics and blistering cardio efforts.
The gym, founded by farmer’s son Tom Kemp, was voted one of the best gyms in the world and ‘coolest outdoor space’ by Men’s Health (PDF)
Tom has blended his farming background with his love of training to create a raw and exciting outdoor environment for people of all strengths and abilities to get fit.
The Farming Community Network: Partner
The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times.
The charity has helped thousands of people deal with a variety of issues, including financial difficulties, animal disease, mental health and family disputes.
Volunteers provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help, regardless of whether the issue is personal or business-related. FCN also runs a confidential national helpline and e-helpline.