THINK your gym strength can handle the real world?
Project Strong: Ban Canal Edition is putting that question to the test with a half-day fitness challenge that takes participants out of the gym and into the working landscape of Sabak Bernam, Selangor.
Organised by Sinar Daily, official media partner of Karnival Ban Canal 2026, the challenge will see 20 teams of two take on physical tasks inspired by the actual work of local farmers and fishermen.
REGISTER FOR PROJECT STRONG: BAN CANAL HERE
Forget treadmills, barbells and air-conditioning. Participants can expect ice, water, mud, paddy fields, and up to a 20kg sack and plenty of heat under the Selangor sun.
The challenge starts at Ma'mudiah Mosque, where teams cycle and run to the second checkpoint where one person will do the standing paddle and run to the third checkpoint.
From there, the teams will face more tasks involving real working environments and loads before making their way towards Karnival Ban Canal at Parit 14, Simpang Lima.
One teammate will shoulder a 20kg sack of fertiliser while the other carries a bunch of coconuts, with the pair covering a long stretch back to the carnival.
The teams will then need to crack the coconuts and fill up a jug with coconut water. Once done, the teams will need to run to the finishing line.
The message behind Project Strong is simple - strength is not just about how much you can lift in a gym.
It is about what you can do with that strength when the equipment, controlled environment and familiar routine are taken away.
The challenge is designed especially for those who enjoy fitness events such as Hyrox and Spartan races, but without the specialised machines.
Instead, participants will face real loads, real terrain and real heat, while working as a team. This is not cosplay. This is real work, real heat, real fatigue, done safely and respectfully.
And there is more than bragging rights at stake.
The winning team will receive RM3,000, while the second- and third-placed teams will receive RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively, along with goodies.
The remaining teams will also receive consolation goodies worth RM300.
REGISTER FOR PROJECT STRONG: BAN CANAL HERE
With only 20 team slots available, participants are encouraged to register early.
Participants should note that the event will be filmed for broadcast and online platforms, with consent included as part of the registration process.