Carry events are a true test of functional strength, grip endurance, and composure under pressure. These events challenge the full-body system and demand speed, stability, and grit. This page outlines Grinder Gym’s performance standards for common strongman carry events, based on United States Strongman (USS) weight classes and divisions.
What’s Included on This Page
Carry Events Covered:
- Yoke Carry
- Farmers Carry
- Frame Carry
- Husafell Carry
- Sandbag Carry
- Zercher Yoke
These events measure grip, core strength, and total-body coordination. From heavy yoke runs to moving medleys, performance here is about speed under load and control over distance. Events vary by weight, time cap, or total distance.
Yoke Carry – 50 Feet for Time
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – 165 lbs | 400 lbs in 20 sec | 500 lbs in 15 sec | 600 lbs in 12 sec | 700 lbs in under 10 sec |
| Men – 198 lbs | 450 lbs in 20 sec | 550 lbs in 15 sec | 650 lbs in 12 sec | 750 lbs in under 10 sec |
| Men – 242 lbs | 500 lbs in 20 sec | 600 lbs in 15 sec | 700 lbs in 12 sec | 800 lbs in under 10 sec |
| Men – 275+ lbs | 550 lbs in 20 sec | 650 lbs in 15 sec | 750 lbs in 12 sec | 850+ lbs in under 10 sec |
| Women – 123 lbs | 200 lbs in 20 sec | 250 lbs in 15 sec | 300 lbs in 12 sec | 350+ lbs in under 10 sec |
| Women – 165 lbs | 250 lbs in 20 sec | 300 lbs in 15 sec | 350 lbs in 12 sec | 400+ lbs in under 10 sec |
| Women – 198+ lbs | 300 lbs in 20 sec | 350 lbs in 15 sec | 400 lbs in 12 sec | 450+ lbs in under 10 sec |
Farmers Carry – 50 Feet (Each Hand)
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – 165 lbs | 125 lbs | 145 lbs | 165 lbs | 185+ lbs |
| Men – 198 lbs | 135 lbs | 155 lbs | 175 lbs | 195+ lbs |
| Men – 242+ lbs | 145 lbs | 165 lbs | 185 lbs | 205+ lbs |
| Women – 123 lbs | 65 lbs | 85 lbs | 105 lbs | 125+ lbs |
| Women – 165 lbs | 75 lbs | 95 lbs | 115 lbs | 135+ lbs |
| Women – 198+ lbs | 85 lbs | 105 lbs | 125 lbs | 145+ lbs |
Frame Carry – 50 Feet
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – All Classes | 350 lbs | 450 lbs | 550 lbs | 650+ lbs |
| Women – All Classes | 200 lbs | 250 lbs | 300 lbs | 350+ lbs |
Note: Frame carry weight is total combined, not per hand. Variations exist based on equipment width and handle height.
Husafell Carry – Max Distance
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – All Classes | 150 lbs for 100 ft | 200 lbs for 150 ft | 250 lbs for 200 ft | 300+ lbs for 250 ft |
| Women – All Classes | 75 lbs for 100 ft | 100 lbs for 150 ft | 125 lbs for 200 ft | 150+ lbs for 250 ft |
Note: Distances are typically straight or turn-around-style. Grip fatigue and breathing are key limiters.
Sandbag Carry – 50 Feet or Medley Style
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – 165 lbs | 150 lbs | 175 lbs | 200 lbs | 225+ lbs |
| Men – 198+ lbs | 175 lbs | 200 lbs | 225 lbs | 250+ lbs |
| Women – 123 lbs | 75 lbs | 100 lbs | 125 lbs | 150+ lbs |
| Women – 165+ lbs | 100 lbs | 125 lbs | 150 lbs | 175+ lbs |
Can also be performed for max distance or medley transitions. Squeeze tight, drive forward.
Zercher Yoke – 50 Feet
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men – All Classes | 225 lbs | 275 lbs | 325 lbs | 375+ lbs |
| Women – All Classes | 125 lbs | 175 lbs | 225 lbs | 275+ lbs |
Zercher carries challenge the upper back, core, and conditioning. Typically tested for 40 to 60 feet. Control is key.
Coaching Notes
- Carry events should be programmed based on both strength level and work capacity.
- Start with controlled runs before layering in speed.
- Grip training and midline stabilization are non-negotiables.
- Sandbags and Husafell-style implements create excellent carryover to real-world competition medleys.