Record Breakers 2026 Autumn Throwdown

Workout: For time

500m SkiErg
500m RowErg
1000m BikeErg
All on Concept 2 machines. No rest between pieces. Move quickly between machines.

Everyone will be connected via the ErgZone app for accurate, official scoring and live tracking.

This is a brutal lactic acid test — short, savage, and leg-burning. Your total time from the first pull on the Ski to the finish on the Bike is your score.

Expect the burn to hit hard, especially on the final 1000m Bike.

After this, head downstairs for discounted bao buns at Pulse Brew.

Overview
The bench press is the second lift in this powerlifting category, evaluated based on correct form and adherence to standards. Each athlete will have 3 attempts, and scores will be calculated using the Wilks formula to account for body weight.

Movement Standards
Starting Position: The lifter must lie flat on their back on the bench, with their head, shoulders, and buttocks in contact with the bench.
Feet must be on the floor, and remain stationary throughout the lift.
The lifter will unrack the barbell (either on their own or with assistance from spotters) and hold it at full arm extension over their chest. The elbows must be locked in this position.
Once in control of the barbell, the lifter will wait for the head referee’s command, "Start," to initiate the press.

Descent: After receiving the “Start” command, the lifter must lower the bar in a controlled manner until it touches their chest or torso at approximately nipple level.
The bar must come to a complete stop on the chest, with no bouncing or sinking motion after the stop. The lifter must maintain full control of the barbell during this pause.
The duration of the pause will be determined by the head referee, ensuring the bar is stationary.

Ascent: After the bar has paused on the chest, the lifter will receive the “Press” command from the referee.

The lifter must push the bar upward until the arms are fully extended and the elbows locked out, in a continuous motion.
Any downward movement of the bar during the ascent will result in a "no lift."

Completion: Upon full extension of the arms, the lifter must maintain control of the barbell at the top and wait for the referee’s command to "Rack" the bar.

The lifter must return the barbell to the rack without assistance unless they fail the attempt.
Failure to wait for the “Rack” command will result in a "no lift."

Additional Rules
Grip: The lifter must grasp the bar with both hands. The hands must remain in contact with the bar throughout the lift. No lifting straps or gloves are permitted. A thumbless or "suicide" grip is allowed but not recommended for safety reasons.

Foot Position: The lifter's feet must remain on the floor throughout the lift. If the foot moves or rises off the floor during any part of the lift, it will result in a "no lift."

Buttocks and Shoulders: The lifter’s buttocks, shoulders, and head must remain in contact with the bench throughout the lift. Lifting the buttocks or excessive arching of the back is not permitted.

Bar Path: The barbell must move in a straight line during both the descent and ascent. Excessive deviation in bar path or lateral movement will result in a failed attempt.

Assistance: Spotters may assist the lifter in getting the bar to the starting position, but they must not touch the bar during the lift unless safety is a concern.

Supportive Gear: Lifters are allowed to wear belts and wrist wraps. Elbow sleeves and bench press shirts (supportive shirts) are prohibited.

Scoring System: Just like in the squat, the lifter’s score will be determined using the Wilks formula to account for body weight. The formula ensures a fair comparison across athletes by normalizing the weight lifted based on the athlete’s body weight.
This description ensures consistency in judging and fair competition across athletes using the Wilks formula for scoring.

3 Attempts per athlete.
Nominate your opener on the morning at registeration weigh-in.

Movement Standards

Starting Position: The lifter must take the barbell out of the squat rack and stand with it on their upper back (across the trapezius or rear deltoids).
The feet must be flat on the floor, and the barbell must be held securely with both hands.
The lifter must demonstrate control, and when ready, the head referee will signal to start the lift with a verbal command “Squat” or a downward arm movement.

Descent: The lifter must begin descending by bending their hips and knees simultaneously while maintaining an upright torso.
Depth Requirement: The lifter must lower their body until the top of their thigh at the hip joint is lower than the top of the knee joint. Failure to reach this depth results in a “no lift.”
The descent must be smooth and under control, without excessive bouncing or loss of balance.

Ascent: After reaching the required depth, the lifter must reverse the motion by extending the hips and knees, standing up until they are in a fully locked-out position.
The knees and hips must be fully extended, and the torso upright to signal the completion of the movement.
The lifter must complete the ascent in a continuous motion. Any downward movement after the ascent begins will result in disqualification for that attempt.

Completion: Once the lifter has completed the squat and is in the fully upright position, they must wait for the referee’s command “Rack” before racking the barbell.
The lifter must maintain control of the barbell until it is safely racked.
Failure to wait for the "Rack" command will result in a "no lift."

Additional Rules
Foot Position: Feet must remain flat on the ground throughout the lift. Any noticeable movement of the feet (e.g., stepping or sliding) results in a failed attempt.
Bar Placement: The barbell must remain across the back throughout the lift and cannot be placed on the neck or traps in a way that could cause injury.
Grip: The lifter must hold the bar with both hands at all times. The use of straps or other aids that assist in gripping the bar is prohibited.
Supportive Gear: Lifters may wear belts, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps. No squat suits, knee wraps, or other restrictive gear that significantly enhances performance is allowed.
Spotters: Spotters are allowed, but they must not assist the lifter in any way unless the lifter fails and safety becomes a concern.
Scoring System:
Lifters will be scored using the Wilks formula, which accounts for body weight in determining relative performance.
The lifter's score is calculated as: Wilks Score = Weight Lifted × Wilks Coefficient
where the Wilks coefficient is derived from a standardized formula based on the lifter’s body weight.
This ensures that lifters of different body sizes compete on an equal footing.