There’s something magical about the clang of a caber hitting the ground, the whoosh of a weight sailing over the bar, and the unmistakable sound of laughter echoing between athletes who have each other’s backs.

This year’s Boise Scottish Festival Highland Games were packed with those moments — and our Iron Sirens and Steele Manatees showed up in true Iron Siren style.

Strength in Numbers
What started as a handful of curious lifters quickly turned into a small army of plaid-clad athletes — a mix of seasoned throwers and first-timers ready to see what the Highland Games were all about.

Each event demanded its own flavor of power and precision: from the technical rhythm of the hammer throw, to the brute control of the caber toss, to the crowd-pleasing weight for height. And every single Siren and Manatee gave it their all.
The photo above captures exactly what the day felt like: sun-warmed smiles, tartan pride, and the joy of shared strength.
More Than Medals
Yes, there were podiums. Yes, there were trophies. But what stood out most wasn’t the hardware — it was the heart.
Watching athletes support one another across divisions was a beautiful reminder of what these communities are built on:
💚 Encouragement over ego
💚 Pride in progress
💚 Strength for every body

A hige thank you to the event organizers and volunteers who made the Games run smoothly — the day couldn’t have happened without your hard work and passion for the sport.
The Takeaway
Days like this remind us that strength comes in many forms: it’s in the throws, the laughter, the courage to try something new, and the way we lift each other up — literally and figuratively.
Whether you’re tossing cabers, chasing PRs in the gym, or just finding your strength story, know that you’ve got a tribe behind you.
Here’s to muddy boots, flying hammers, and a crew that makes the world a little stronger every time they show up.

On Saturday, September 6th, 2025, the 5th-annual Battle of the Brawny Babes took over Mad Swede  Brewing  Company in Boise, Idaho. 

Setting & Purpose

• The venue was family-friendly, the community supportive, and the vibe inclusive — whether you were a seasoned competitor or trying your first event, you belonged. 
• A portion of proceeds was dedicated to a good cause (including partnering with the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence). 
• Events included: Log Press Series, Sandbag Toss, Shieldmaiden Squat, Shield Hold, and Keg Over Bar. 
• Divisions ranged across experience levels: Novice, Open,  and Masters 40+

Highlights & Community Wins

• The energy was incredible — each athlete dug deep, and the crowd responded in kind.
• Several women posted personal bests, and even those who didn’t “win” walked away stronger and more confident.
• The event truly lived up to the “Brawny Babes” ethos: not just strong in body, but strong in spirit.

What Made It Special

• Inclusivity: With divisions ranging from Teen to Masters 40+, everyone had a stage.
• Support: Competitors cheered one another on across events — you could feel the camaraderie.
• Empowerment: This wasn’t just about lifting weights — it was about showing up, challenging yourself, and walking out changed.
• Fun & Atmosphere: heavy weights, strongwomen, craft beer, cheering friends & fam — the full package.

Thank You Shout-Outs Massive thanks to:

• All the athletes who competed and pushed boundaries.
• The event organizers and volunteers who ran timing, loading, transitions — seamless.
• Mad Swede Brewing Company for hosting.
• Sponsors, vendors, and supporters who made the event feel special.
• The Idaho strong-community for showing up and making noise.

What’s Next?
​As the calendar resets, the ripples from this event carry on. The strength built here will translate into gym sessions, personal goals, and next-level competitions. “Brawny Babes” isn’t just a one-day event — it’s a movement.
We can’t wait to see where 2026 takes us.