Hello Fortius Family,
What a weekend that was.
Our 10th anniversary celebrations brought 48 competitors together for Thunderbuddy Throwdown 2026, alongside a weekend of CrossFit Semi-Final tests, a brilliant Kids Showcase and plenty of support from the sidelines.
There were close finishes, first-time competitors and people giving up their time to help everything run smoothly. Best of all, together we raised £2,539 for SAMH.
Our Biggest Thunderbuddy Yet
With 16 teams competing across four heats and tackling five workouts, this year’s Thunderbuddy gave us plenty to cheer about.
The competition stayed close right through to the final, with first and second place coming down to a nail-biting lunge finish. Whether you were competing for the first time or bringing years of experience to the floor, thank you for giving it your all.
Congratulations to our podium teams:
- 1st: Tri Harder — Mark Davies, Karina Heggan and Steph Sinclair.
- 2nd: Greek Reps and Tartan Sweats — Noda, Katerina Aliberti and Suz Ross.
- 3rd: Rab, Mary, and Ella — Chris, Katie Dougan and Jacqueline Elder.
A special mention also goes to Team Woop Woop — Jack Lucas, Louise Sinclair and Jenny Callan — who kept pushing all the way.
A Fantastic Result for SAMH
The generosity of our members, friends, families and local supporters helped us beat last year’s fundraising total by more than £400.
Every donation, raffle ticket and prize contributed to that result. Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraising, including the businesses and individuals who donated such a brilliant selection of prizes.
We’re proud to support SAMH’s work for mental health across Scotland, and grateful to everyone who helped us make this contribution.
Semi-Final Effort, Fortius Support
Alongside Thunderbuddy, Nisha, Pam from Fortius Physio and guest athlete Emma took on five demanding CrossFit Semi-Final tests.
Competing in our own gym came with the best possible backing. Thank you to everyone who came along to encourage the athletes, manage cameras and help with the practical details that made each test possible.
Chris Wilson and Mathew Laughton kept the deadlift ladder moving with some seriously slick plate changes, while Derek Oswell took care of the filming setup and tape lines.
A particularly big thank you goes to Carolyn Laughton, Mark Davies and Suz Ross for giving up their weekend to judge. Your time and attention meant the athletes could concentrate on the work in front of them.
The Kids Had Their Moment, Too
Our lunchtime Kids Showcase was a real highlight, giving our younger members the chance to show what they’ve been working on with Coach Steph Sinclair, assisted by Coach Martha Fleming.
They brought confidence, enthusiasm and some impressively quick box jumps. Across the day, those taking to the floor ranged in age from six to 61 — a lovely reflection of the community we have here.
Thank You to Everyone Behind the Day
Events like this take a lot of people doing a lot of jobs.
To everyone who handled check-in, scoring, athlete organisation, equipment changes, raffle sales, T-shirts, baking, photography and filming: thank you. Your work helped make the day enjoyable for everyone taking part.
And to everyone who stayed to cheer, encouraged a teammate or stepped in when something needed doing, you were just as much a part of it.
What a way to mark 10 years of Fortius. Thank you for celebrating with us.
