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At first glance, the Cowtown Coliseum — nestled among the clatter of hooves and the smell of smoked brisket in Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards — might not seem like the obvious setting for a next-generation fitness throwdown. But come June 7, that’s exactly what it becomes: a proving ground for a new kind of athlete, where the line between cowboy and CrossFitter blurs in a spectacle known as "Red Bull Rancher Strong."
Equal parts rodeo and modern-day decathlon, "Red Bull Rancher Strong" is more than a fitness competition. It’s an homage to the ranch life — brutal, unrelenting, honest — and a challenge issued to anyone who thinks they’re tough enough to wear the boots. Competitors will hurl feed sacks, climb haystacks, rope sled-bulls, and scramble through obstacle courses inspired by the daily grind of agricultural life. Think “American Ninja Warrior,” if it were raised on cornbread and cattle drives.
The event’s Sportive Director, Lance Pekus, is no stranger to that blend of brawn and balance. Known nationally as the “Cowboy Ninja” thanks to his years competing on “American Ninja Warrior,” Pekus brings both authenticity and flair to the challenge. With a ten-gallon hat and calloused hands, he’s helped shape a course that rewards raw strength, nimble footwork, and a little West Texas stubbornness.
“We’re bringing two worlds together,” Pekus says. “This is about the people who get up before sunrise and don’t quit until the job’s done. Whether you're from a ranch in West Texas or a gym in downtown Austin, this course will test every ounce of grit you’ve got.”
Athletes will go head-to-head in a series of seven timed events, culminating in a final showdown where two champions — one man, one woman — will be crowned, according to a release. The obstacles themselves are steeped in farmyard flair: climbing out of a simulated barn via monkey bars, navigating a forest of tree stumps, and muscling Grandpa’s trailer across the arena. And it all ends with the slap of a buzzer in the rafters — a nod to both classic rodeo drama and modern competition shows.
Hosting the day’s action alongside Pekus will be Red Bull athlete and 11-time CrossFit Games medalist Noah Ohlsen, and Amanda Nigg, better known as the energetic force behind Farm Fit Training. Together, they’ll shepherd the crowd through the day’s events, each more unpredictable than the last.
If the competition isn’t enough, fans can take part too. A “Fan Zone” sprawled across the front lawn of the Coliseum will offer strength and agility challenges for all ages. It’s part festival, part field day, and part tailgate.
Jason Sands, executive director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission, calls the Coliseum the ideal backdrop for the debut. “The Stockyards are where the Old West meets new energy,” Sands says. “There’s history in every board and brick here. ‘Rancher Strong’ is just the next chapter in that story.”
Tickets go on sale April 18 through the Cowtown Coliseum website. Competitor applications open the same day, with a submission deadline of May 11. For those unable to make the trip, the event will be broadcast live via Atmosphere TV — a streaming service for bars and restaurants — at 6 p.m. CT.
And while the prize for the winners is still under wraps, the real reward may just be the bragging rights. Because in Texas, saying you’re tough is easy. Proving it? That’s a different matter altogether.
Red Bull Rancher Strong – Event Details
When: Saturday, June 7, 2025
12:00 p.m. – Doors Open
12:30 p.m. – Competition Begins
6:45 p.m. – Final Round
7:15 p.m. – Closing Ceremony
Where: Cowtown Coliseum 121 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Course Highlights:
- Escape the Barn: Swing through monkey bars from the loft.
- Load the Feed: Heave feed sacks into a trailer.
- Stockyard Scramble: Leap, toss, and vault through an obstacle gauntlet.
- Tree Stumpede: Balance across precarious stumps—no missteps allowed.
- Hay Bale Hustle: Charge up and over a mountain of hay.
- Grandpa’s Trailer: Push and unload an actual trailer.
- Rope the Bull: Haul a weighted bull sled from the saddle.
- Barn & Finish – Buzzer Beater: Scale back up the barn and hit the buzzer.
