Hundreds of people showed their support to some of Suffolk's strongest as they pulled lorries, lifted weights and carried balls of rock in an annual competition.

Ipswich Strongest Competition 2023 returned for its fifth year, held once again on Ipswich Waterfront in the basking sunshine.

The event was attended by hundreds of people throughout the day, with 57 of the strongest people in Suffolk going head to head in a series of events.

The day started with the lorry and van pull, followed by weightlifting, and then a car deadlift. 

Ipswich Star: Hundreds attended throughout the day at Ipswich Waterfront. Credit: Tom CannHundreds attended throughout the day at Ipswich Waterfront. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Ipswich Star: 57 people took part in the competition which involved pulling lorries, atlas stones and car lifting. Credit: Tom Cann57 people took part in the competition which involved pulling lorries, atlas stones and car lifting. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

This was followed by a sandbag race and truck push, and then it was finished with the atlas stone event, which sees competitors carry a ball of rock and place it on top of a 4ft barrel.

The event started five years ago and is put on by Hunter Strength and Fitness gym in Ipswich.

Mark Maskell, the event organiser, said: "The event's gone really well today.

Ipswich Star: This was the fifth year of Ipswich Strongest Competition. Credit: Tom CannThis was the fifth year of Ipswich Strongest Competition. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

"The event grows each year, when we first started, it was in the car park of our gym, and now we just keep growing and getting bigger and bigger venues.

"It all started because we wanted to see who was the strongest out of our friendship group and it's just evolved."

Lyrica Wilsdon and Peter Ellis, a couple, both competed at the event.

Ipswich Star: Peter Ellis and Lyrica Wilsdon both competed. Credit: Tom CannPeter Ellis and Lyrica Wilsdon both competed. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Lyrica said: "This is my second event and there's just a rush about it all and the support you get from other competitors and spectators is just insane.

"Peter and I get to do this together too which is nice because you do dedicate a lot of your time to this sport."

Ipswich Star: One of the competitors pulling a lorry. Credit: Tom CannOne of the competitors pulling a lorry. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Peter continued: "It's nice these sorts of things where everyone can come together and it's a large group who all support one another.

"It's a good sportsmanship event."