SHAH ALAM – There is still time to put your strength, stamina and teamwork to the test at Project Strong: Ban Canal Edition, with interested participants encouraged to register soon ahead of the event on Nov 7.
Organised by Sinar Daily as the official media partner of Karnival Ban Canal 2026, the half-day fitness challenge will take participants beyond the gym and into the working environment of farmers and fishermen in Sabak Bernam, Selangor.
With 20 teams of two participants each set to take part, Project Strong offers a different kind of fitness test, replacing conventional gym equipment with real terrain, outdoor conditions and tasks inspired by the daily work of the local community.
Participants will face a series of challenges involving ice, water, mud and paddy fields, as well as carrying loads weighing up to 20kg under the hot weather.
The challenge begins at Masjid Ma'muniah in Sungai Nipah, Simpang Lima, where each team will cycle and run towards the second checkpoint.
At the location, one teammate will take on a stand-up paddle activity before continuing the course on foot to the next checkpoint.
The physical challenges will continue along the route before teams reach the main carnival site at Parit 14, Simpang Lima.
Among the key tasks, one participant must carry a 20kg sack of fertiliser while their teammate transports a bunch of coconuts along the designated route before returning to the carnival grounds.
Once there, they must crack open the coconuts, fill a jug with coconut water and run towards the finishing line.
The challenge is designed to test more than physical strength, requiring participants to manage their stamina, adapt to unfamiliar conditions and work closely with their teammates throughout the course.
For those familiar with fitness competitions such as Hyrox and Spartan Race, Project Strong offers a different experience by taking the challenge outdoors and putting practical strength and endurance to the test.
Participants can collect their race kits and attend a safety briefing at Masjid Ma'muniah on Friday night, ahead of the challenge the following morning.
On Saturday, they can begin race day with congregational Subuh prayers at the same mosque before taking on Project Strong.
The winning team will take home RM3,000 in cash, while the second- and third-placed teams will receive RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively, along with accompanying prizes.
All other participating teams will also receive goodie bags worth RM300.
There is also another prize to look forward to through redONE Mobile's separate redHOT Best Team Award, which recognises outstanding teamwork, unity and collaboration throughout the challenge, regardless of a team's final position.
The selected team will receive two 5G smartphones worth RM1,500 each, as well as two AEON vouchers worth RM200 each.
Beyond the competition, visitors to Karnival Ban Canal can explore various booths and activities, including Sinar Daily and redONE Mobile's booth and other participating exhibitors, adding to the attractions throughout the three-day carnival from Nov 6 to 8.
Project Strong also carries a message that strength should not be measured solely by how much weight a person can lift in a gym, but by how effectively that strength can be applied in real-life situations.
Organisers said participants' safety and respect for the work of local farming and fishing communities would remain important throughout the event.
Those interested in taking part are encouraged to register while places are still available.
Participants should also note that the event will be recorded for broadcast and digital publication, with consent to filming forming part of the registration conditions.
Do not miss the chance to take on a challenge beyond the gym, compete for cash prizes and show what your team can achieve at Project Strong: Ban Canal Edition on Nov 7.