2026 Stones of Strength
Stones of Strength
Unleash Your Inner Highlander at the Tallahassee Highland Games
About the Competition
Stones of Strength is an official International Highland Games Federation competition and part of the Tallahassee Highland Games festival. With no weigh-ins and an open class, competitors of all backgrounds can test their might. Registration includes festival entry for you and a guest, VIP parking, and lunch. A kilt is required.
Dates & Schedule
February 7 & 8, 2026 – Apalachee Regional Park, Tallahassee, FL
Our schedule is coordinated with the Highland Games heavy athletics events, allowing full cross-registration.
- Saturday, February 7: Women's Stones of Strength, Men's Novice Stones, Highland Games A/B/C classes
- Sunday, February 8: Men's Open Stones of Strength, Masters & Adaptive Highland Games
Events
Five stone-lifting challenges test strength, endurance, and technique:
- Stone Press: Max reps in 90 seconds.
- Fefor Stone Carry: Max distance with turns every 50 ft.
- Stone Put: Distance throw from the trig.
- Stone Medley: Carry progression for time.
- Stone Load: Load stones onto a 40" barrel.
Want more? Explore Highland Games Heavy Athletics and cross-register to compete in both.
Prize Payouts
| Division | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World’s Strongest Stone Lifter – Women’s Masters (40+) | $1,000 | $750 | $500 | $2,250 |
| America’s Strongest Stone Lifter – Men’s Masters (40+) | $750 | $500 | $250 | $1,500 |
| Florida’s Strongest Stone Lifter – Men’s Open | $500 | $250 | $150 | $900 |
| Florida’s Strongest Stone Lifter – Women’s Open | $500 | $250 | $150 | $900 |
| Highland Games A/B/C Divisions – Men’s & Women’s | $150 | — | — | $150 Per Division |
| IHGF National Caber Champion A/B/C & Masters Divisions – Men and Women | $200 | — | — | $200 |
Total prize pool exceeds $5,900 across all divisions.
Qualification Pathways
- Women’s Masters (40+): Top 2 → Worlds in Hungary (May 2026).
- Men’s Masters (40+): Top 2 → Worlds in Hungary (May 2026).
- Men’s & Women’s Open Stones: Top 2 → Visa California Viking Fest (Sept 2026) → winners receive airfare assistance and accommodations for Worlds in Fefor, Norway (July 2027).
- Heavy Athletics A/B/C + Masters: Winners feed into IHGF National Championships and onward to world-level events.
Partners & On-Site Services
COSPT will be on the main field providing athlete-only chiropractic adjustments and sports recovery massage throughout the weekend, keeping lifters and throwers battle-ready.
Additional partners include Visit Tallahassee, IHGF, and regional strength organizations.
Ready to Compete?
Your registration includes festival entry, VIP parking, and lunch for you and a guest.
Tally Highland Games Sponsors
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Visit Tallahassee Sports
Go Visit TallahasseeVisit Tallahassee Sports department works with collegiate and community partners to recruit, market and provide assistance to local, regional and national sporting events to expand economic impact of sports tourism in Tallahassee/Leon County.
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International Highland Games Federation
See the IHGFThe aim of theIHGF is to establish and promote the traditions of Highland Games wherever possible and to encourage young athletes into the sport with the many coaching clinics arranged by the Federation.
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Lewis Longman Walker
Learn moreFor over 25 years, the attorneys at LLW have helped the individuals, businesses and governments that have shaped Florida’s future. We offer solutions to issues associated with complex local, state, and federal laws and regulations
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St. Andrew Society of Tallahassee, FL
See St. Andrew SocietyThe St. Andrew Society of Tallahassee is a cultural preservation society promoting Scottish heritage and culture through its history, literature, folklore, customs, traditions, music, dance, dress and more.
