● Inspired by the mental and physical demands of a 1,000-mile open-water swim around Iceland, The Stoic Games bring a mindset-led endurance challenge to Manchester, translating every mile swim into a 1,000-point test of discipline, resilience, and effort.

● A first-of-its-kind athletic and philosophical challenge powered by Gym King, The Stoic Games are co-created by British ultra-marathon athlete and author Ross Edgley, built from the Stoic principles he applied to complete the Icelandic Swim and the Great British Swim.

● Rather than competing against each other, participants compete against themselves. The event is designed as a mindset-driven stress test, featuring a 1,000-point scoring model across seven max-effort disciplines testing strength, endurance, resilience, and mental steadiness.

● During trial events, one in 200 participants reached the elite 1,000-point threshold.

● The launch follows the success of Ross Edgley’s Stoic Collection with Gym King and coincides with the release of his second Stoic Collection in January, Stoic 2.0, and coincides with his Channel 4 Icelandic swim documentary on 7th February 2026.

● Participants will have access to a fully equipped recovery zone, including on-site physiotherapists, compression boots, massage guns, and vibrating foam rollers.

6th January, 2026 - Gym King announces the launch of The Stoic Games, an athletic and philosophical challenge co-created with Ross Edgley.

Launching immediately after the release of Edgley’s second Stoic Collection with Gym King, and coinciding with his Channel 4 documentary of his Icelandic swim on 7th February 2026, The Stoic Games represent the next stage of the Stoic movement, turning philosophy into physical practice and mindset into measurable performance.

The Stoic Games draw inspiration from the original purpose of the gymnasium as a place where the body was trained, the mind sharpened, and the community strengthened.

Unlike traditional races or competitive events, The Stoic Games use a 1,000-point scoring model. Participants give maximum effort across seven disciplines, with five minutes allocated to each:

● Max-kg deadlift

● Max press-ups

● Max calories on SkiErg

● Max calories on BikeErg

● Max calories on rower

● Max calories on curved treadmill run

● Max wall balls

Participants score as many points as possible in each discipline. The point values listed for each discipline represent the thresholds required to reach the 1,000 Club, not minimum standards for entry.

During trial runs of the format, one in 200 participants achieved the full 1,000 points.

Participants will also have access to a dedicated recovery zone throughout the event, including physiotherapy support and recovery equipment.

Ross Edgley, co-creator of The Stoic Games, said:

“After launching the Stoic collections with Gym King following the Great British Swim and the Icelandic Swim, the natural next step was to build a physical arena where people could live the message. Thank you to Gym King for enabling The Stoic Games and creating a platform where discipline, resilience, and community can thrive.”

Jay Parker, CEO and founder of Gym King, said:

“Working with Ross Edgley, we’ve created an event that goes beyond traditional hybrid performance events. The Stoic Games introduce a new category of fitness for 2026. At Gym King, our foundation is built on continuous development and a resilient mindset, inspiring individuals to believe in themselves. We’re proud to partner with Ross to bring this challenge to Manchester in February.”

– ENDS –

For media enquiries, please contact: olivia@gymking.com

Ross Edgley is available for interviews, online, radio, and broadcast.

About The Stoic Games

The Stoic Games are the world’s first mindset-led athletic challenge, combining strength, endurance, resilience, and philosophical practice. Designed to test both body and mind, the Games offer a unique 1,000-point challenge and a one-of-a-kind educational finale.

About Gym King:

Founded by Jay Parker in the UK, Gym King is more than just a brand, it’s a community of like-minded individuals united by ambition, resilience, and a shared drive to push boundaries.

Built at the intersection of fitness, fashion, and lifestyle, Gym King empowers people to look, feel, and perform at their best, both inside and outside the gym.

Rooted in a mindset of continuous improvement, Gym King partners with leading gyms and athletes who embody our commitment to personal development and excellence. From Leeds to Dublin, our growing network of partner gyms reflects our dedication to supporting the fitness community where every journey begins.

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