Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2026: Meet the finalists

The competition has been as scorching as the weather this year, and our 35 finalists guarantee that the ultimate showdown will be just as hotly contested as the qualifiers.

We catch up with them as they prepare for the big day.

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Men under 40

Sam Phelps

Sam Phelps © Oli Lees

Age 39 Location Gloucestershire

Sam lives and works on his family beef farm and is also country manager for feed additive producer Orffa.

He keeps active through running, cycling and gym sessions, and considers himself one of the fastest heavyweight (>100kg) endurance runners around.

A decade ago, a major knee injury left him at risk of losing his leg, but with huge determination, he rebuilt his fitness. He adds: “I’m also kept fit by chasing around after children and cows!”

Glyn Jones

Glyn Jones © Nathan Stirk

Age 33 Location Carmarthenshire

Sixth-generation farmer Glyn runs Brynmaen Farm alongside his brother, as well as working full-time at Swansea University.

The father of two says everything he does is to make his two young daughters proud.

“I wanted my girls to see what their dad could achieve through hard work and determination and hopefully be able to say that their dad is Britain’s Fittest Farmer – or at least the fittest dad they know!”

James Rogers

Age 34 Location Hertfordshire

James works with his dad on a mixed farm with a Christmas tree business. He stays fit with weight and Hyrox sessions, and running.

As to keeping focused, James admits it’s not that hard for him. “I really enjoy exercising. I find it quite therapeutic, so I don’t struggle with motivation 90% of the time.”

Competing in this year’s finals carries extra significance for James. “This time last year, I was having chemotherapy.

“For me to have the opportunity to do this is just amazing – just to compete, let alone make the finals. I feel quite lucky.”

Simon Donovan

Age 38 Location West Midlands

A regular competitor in individual and team fitness events, Simon is a self-confessed sucker for saying yes to a challenge.

“Sometimes I just get pulled into it,” he says,” but admits it’s what keeps him going.

His wife and six-year-old daughter are his biggest supporters.

“If I’ve trained and I’m a bit pumped up in my arms or shoulders, [my daughter’s] very good to pick me up and go ‘ooh those are looking big’ – so always a good person to have around!”

Dan Metherell

Age 36 Location Cornwall

After taking up CrossFit earlier this year, dairy farmer Dan – who milks 120 cows on the family farm – finally entered Britain’s Fittest Farmer, having toyed with the idea for
several years.

“Like so many in agriculture, I work non-stop balancing the physical demands of farming while raising two young kids,” he says.

“My main aim is to be a role model to my children and show them that hard work and dedication do pay off.

“It would give my family a huge reason to be proud.”

Sam Mallinson

Age 24 Location Cumbria

Sam is part of a new generation taking over his family farm business, while embracing technology and innovation. Fitness, he says, makes a huge difference.

“Every job, whether physical or mental, I can cope with much better. I’m less tired at the end of the working day, which leaves me with energy to do other things.”

For anyone eyeing up next year’s competition, he has this advice: “There isn’t a single negative outcome from trying.

“You may fall in love with training or find a community along the way, whether that’s in a gym, run club or regular classes.

“You will learn what your body is capable of and realise that you can do it all.”

Nath Jones

Age 32 Location Shropshire

Britain’s Fittest Farmer veteran Nath has competed for five years, and last reached the final in 2024. “Every year, I find out something new about myself and something to improve on,” he says.

Fitness, he explains, is more than just training: “I love it. It’s my thing that I do to switch off at the end of the day.”

Away from the competition, Nath and his wife – his biggest supporter – are at the beginning of their farming journey.

They have taken on a 16ha (40-acre) holding through Powys County Council and, in a short space of time, built up the cattle herd to 50 head.

Mark Denton

Age 31 Location Cornwall

Fitness, says dairy and beef farmer Mark, helps him both physically and mentally. He encourages others to make time for exercise, recognising the positive impact it can have beyond the farm.

“With farming there are so many peaks and troughs with workload – I just try and train as much as I can when work allows and, when we are busy, I have to just get a session in as and when I can.”

Paul Harrison

Age 24 Location Cumbria

After finishing third in the men under 40 category last year, sheep farmer Paul returns with his sights set on the Britain’s Fittest Farmer top spot.

The former semi-professional rugby player coaches 20 online CrossFit clients – half of whom are farmers themselves – and competes in fell running, Hyrox and CrossFit competitions.

Farm life provides its own conditioning, too, through gathering sheep on the fells.

Harry Wallis

Age 33 Location Lincolnshire

Harry returns this year with the same competitive spirit, but a more measured approach to training: “More is not always best,” he says. “Continued intense training can often mean fatigue overtakes fitness.”

He advocates finding time for interests outside agriculture. “You meet people you ordinarily wouldn’t and mean that the farm does not become all-consuming.”

Women under 40

Abi Radford

Age 31 Location Devon

After becoming a mother, Abi started working on her husband’s family farm but struggled with her new identity as a mum while trying to establish her place in the business.

“Joining the gym has given me freedom from isolation and allows me time to be myself,” she says.

Having surprised herself by qualifying for the finals in her first year, Abi’s takeaway is simple: “I’m not that far into my fitness journey.

“I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and prove to myself how far I’ve come… you might just surprise yourself!”

Bethan Warren

Age 36 Location Bedfordshire

Bethan runs a physiotherapy-led movement studio from her family farm in Buckinghamshire, helping people build strength, mobility and confidence.

Away from the studio, life is anything but quiet, with a family farm, Airbnb business, three energetic boys and an assortment of animals to juggle.

“Training is completely non-negotiable for me,” she says, “because I know everything else works better when I’ve trained. I’m more patient, my head is clearer, I have more energy, and I cope with the chaos so much better.

“Even if it means the house is a mess and the boys are running a bit feral, it’s always worth it!”

Abigail Tucker

Age 28 Location Devon

For Abigail, fitness is both a physical asset on the farm and an outlet from its demands. “Farming can be isolating and overwhelming. I need sport and fitness to distract myself and give myself a break,” she says.

She plays netball to socialise and trains at a CrossFit gym, while her work involves everything from jumping gates to wrestling cattle, sheep, goats and alpacas.

At the qualifiers, she discovered another benefit: “It was so nice to meet people from different farming backgrounds and see how fitness united us all.”

Tayla Cave

Age 27 Location Northamptonshire

Tayla has always been “the sporty one”, but her fitness now spans ultramarathons, Hyrox, hockey and the demands of agricultural life.

A qualified rural surveyor and land agent, she grew up on her family smallholding and remains closely connected to farming.

She often takes her dogs running with her, describing them as “great pace-setters trotting alongside me”.

Charlotte Merson

Age 36 Location North Yorkshire

“I am doing it for the mums out there,” says Charlotte. “After having my daughter, I lost all my fitness and was in a whirlwind of exhaustion and mum guilt for trying to do anything for myself.”

She says it is easy for new mums to lose sight of who they were before motherhood. “I want to show all the other mums and future mums out there that you can be a mum and put yourself and your fitness first at times.”

Sarah Buckley

Age 32 Location Scottish Borders

For Sarah, starting the day with exercise brings a sense of achievement, confidence and energy that carries into her work as an agronomist.

“I like to think I’m supportive, calm and understanding, and fitness plays a big part in helping me be that person.”

The mum of two hopes to show her children the value of setting goals, working hard, stepping outside their comfort zone and being active.

Abbey Cater

Age 25 Location Cambridgeshire

Abbey runs a small poultry enterprise and works as a Red Tractor assessor. She also volunteers as a Girlguiding leader. “Supporting young girls is something I’m really passionate about,” she says.

“I try to promote confidence, resilience and positive wellbeing through activities that encourage staying active, teamwork and talking openly about mental health.”

Katie Bleekman

Age 33 Location Devon

Based on her family farm in Devon, Katie runs a fitness coaching business for equestrians and people in the community.

“It’s early mornings, long days, and a lot of physical graft,” she says. Making time for her own training four to five times a week – mainly through CrossFit and strength training, alongside running, swimming and cycling – is therefore essential.

“I’d never picked up a barbell until I was 25 and since then I’ve never looked back.”

Becky Oxtoby

Age 24 Location East Riding of Yorkshire

“The last fitness competition I probably took part in was a school sports day, but that was a little different to Britain’s Fittest Farmer,” Becky quips.

Balancing gym training with farming has been her biggest hurdle, she says. “When the sun shines, harvest comes first, and my training looks a little different when I’m lifting calf buckets instead of dumbells!”

Ellie Stephenson

Age 32 Location East Riding of Yorkshire

Ellie is the director of a third-generation pig farm, working alongside her dad. “Farming very much keeps me on my toes for both strength and cardio,” she says.

Off farm, she is vice-captain of a local hockey team in winter and plays tennis in summer, alongside strength training, Hyrox competitions and running.

“It’s just part of my day-to-day life, having a fitness hour or two.”

Men over 40

Nick Haines

Age 42 Location Staffordshire

“Exercise is my medicine,” says Nick who returns to this year’s competition after a knee injury forced him to withdraw from the 2025 finals.

Entering Britain’s Fittest Farmer again has been a powerful motivator for rehab.

“When I train more, I become more focused on nutrition and sleep, as well as thinking more clearly, making better decisions on the farm and reacting more positively when accidents happen or the weather becomes challenging.”

Edward Holmes

Age 48 Location Warwickshire

Ed, who grows bare-rooted forestry trees and native hedging for wholesale markets, returns to Britain’s Fittest Farmer hoping to better his stats.

Exercise has long been a key part of his weekly routine, keeping him fit for work and mentally balanced. “I used to play rugby when I was younger, but once I retired I missed the training and team aspect. I soon discovered CrossFit and it continues to give me challenging workouts and a good group of friends.”

Tim Ashley

Age 57 Location Shropshire

His first time at the qualifiers brought a few surprises for Tim. “The weights and events were definitely more challenging than I expected. But I was also surprised by how supportive and encouraging everyone was. There were no egos, no posturing, just people wanting everyone else to do their best.

When encouraging a few older supporters of younger competitors to consider entering themselves, Tim was often met with: “Oh no, I couldn’t do that anymore.” His response? “Sport and fitness aren’t just for young people. Don’t stop challenging yourself because you’ve got older.

“People often say getting fit is too hard. Well, yes, it is hard – that’s the point. But poor mental health is harder. Struggling with mobility in a physically demanding job is harder. “Take control and give it a go.”

Richard Stott

Age 41 Location West Yorkshire

Can reigning Britain’s Fittest Farmer champion Richard defend his title? The arable farmer, contractor and engineer from Wakefield admits he never expected to lift the trophy in 2025.

“I enjoyed it last year, especially the final. Winning was a bit of a surprise so I thought I would give it a go again this year,” he says.

He trains five or six times a week, combining running, cycling and gym sessions. “I tend to do it mostly early in the morning, so it doesn’t affect the rest of the day.”

Guy Hayward

Age 55 Location Suffolk

Third-generation farmer Guy works on an arable farm that has diversified over the years into storage, small office lets and a soft play barn.

A typical week’s training for him spans six days with one rest day, and includes a session with his run club, strength classes and high-intensity workouts at the gym and Hyrox. “I have to fit farming around this!” he laughs.

His commitment has recently seen him complete his 100th marathon.

Sam Gayton

Age 52 Location Somerset

Sam, commercial director at Synergy Farm Health, wants to see more open conversations about mental wellbeing. “I think looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health, and the more we talk about this, the stronger and more resilient our farming community will be.”

His wife is his biggest supporter, and his late father remains an inspiration. “He gave me my love of farming and showed me the benefits of hard work and perseverance – qualities that I carry with me every day.”

David Childerhouse

Age 45 Location Norfolk

A two-time Britain’s Fittest Farmer finalist, David enjoyed the experience so much that returning for another year was “a no-brainer”.

“The way I shall approach it this year is to enjoy throwing down once again with some amazing individuals from across the UK with a shared love of functional fitness,” he says.

For David, farming is about legacy. Being part of the Breckland Farmers Wildlife Network has opened his eyes to “what a unique and precious habitat we have the privilege to farm on”.

In fitness, his priority is longevity, underpinned by consistency with training and nutrition. “If I can, I hope to continue to compete in BFF for years to come.”

Sam Chambers

Age 41 Location Dorset

Fourth-generation farmer Sam is part of a mixed farm business that includes two dairy herds, an arable enterprise, holiday lets and other property rentals.

He is preparing for the finals at his local gym, with support from a personal trainer. Sam also runs a popular farmer CrossFit class at the gym, explaining: “I am trying to encourage farmers during quieter periods to come and give fitness a try and get into something else away from farming.”

David Nicholson

Age 43 Location East Riding of Yorkshire

David works on his family’s mixed farm, where the main enterprises are Aberdeen Angus-cross sucklers and a commercial flock of mainly Texel-cross ewes.

He starts his day with a 4am gym session, giving him time to think and take stock before work. “We are all under so much pressure, with everything from policy to the weather.

“I believe if more people in our industry exercised for even a few hours a week, mental health would be less of an issue.”

James Robson

Age 44 Location East Sussex

James is a partner on his family’s poultry and arable farm in Vines Cross. After his wife, fellow finalist Lucy Sheffield, lost her Hyrox World Championship doubles partner, James persuaded her to enter Britain’s Fittest Farmer instead. Competing alongside her became the highlight of his experience.

His advice to anyone considering entering is: “Don’t overthink, just do it. You’ll always be just a bit better than you were before you took the jump.

“Uncertainty is scary, but it’s where the most rewards can be found – much like farming!”

Women over 40

Fiona Penfold

Age 45 Location Somerset

Fiona runs a 50-head Hereford cross Friesian suckler herd – and is keen to make clear that she’s the farmer, not the farmer’s wife.

A former rugby player, she now referees rugby union for girls, boys and adults and coaches her daughter’s U16 team. She previously won Britain’s Fittest Farmer in 2019 and finished third in 2020.

Her dad, her biggest supporter, has instilled in her the belief that “I can do anything and enjoy life along the way.”

Claire Moreton

Age 42 Location Gloucestershire

Claire took over the family dairy farm, where she rears dairy replacements and runs her own beef suckler herd. Alongside farming, she is a trustee of a charity supporting veterans and people struggling with their mental health through physical challenges.

Claire believes farming has helped her take on ultramarathons, military-style boot races and a half-Ironman. “They require a mental toughness to keep going when things are hard and I’ve very much acquired that through the farm.”

Becca Cavill

Age 47 Location Somerset

Ruminant veterinary adviser Becca, who comes from a non-farming background, runs an organic, low-input dairy herd.

After dabbling with running over the years, she got more serious and completed multiple half marathons and a full marathon in 2024. Then she took her fitness even further.

“Realising running was not just about running, I diversified into strength and hybrid training and love competing in Hyrox and events like Turf Games – awesome exercise, and being part of a team makes it even more rewarding.”

Lucy Sheffield

Age 48 Location East Sussex

Alongside her husband, finalist James Robson, and father, Lucy is a partner on her family’s third-generation mixed arable and poultry farm. She also works as a personal trainer, running her own farm-based gym, LandGirl Training.

December is the farm’s busiest period as they rear more than 6,000 turkeys and 500 geese for the Christmas table. “We always say we have two harvests, the arable one and then the Christmas one,” says Lucy.

She is looking forward to a family day out at the final.

Nikki Beer

Age 44 Location Devon

The Hawkstone keg challenge almost had Nikki beat at the qualifiers, but she came away with a highlight of her own: being the fastest over-40 competitor to pull the truck – in 6.98sec.

She owns an agricultural engineering and self-drive plant hire business and says exercise makes a massive difference to her day-to-day resilience.

“I have an hour completely for me. There’s not even any phone signal at my gym! When I’ve finished, my head feels clearer and I’m ready to give my time to whoever needs it.”

Rachel Marston

Age 50 Location Cumbria

Rachel’s biggest supporters are her husband, Andrew, and their three daughters. “Andrew entered me for the competition for my 50th birthday, knowing all too well that I love a challenge and keeping physically and mentally fit.”

At the qualifiers, Rachel’s biggest surprise was being able to pull a 4×4 truck. “Never did I think I would actually be able to do it, but with encouragement for everyone taking part, it wasn’t as bad as I thought.

“It’s amazing what you can do if you just have a go.”