Heavy Events

The stone put event is a popular feature at the Highland Games. Competitors attempt to throw a large stone weighing between 20 and 26 pounds as far as they can.

The stone is thrown either after a short run-up to the toeboard or from a fixed standing position, depending on the rules of the competition. The contestant who throws the furthest wins.

In the caber toss, a full-length log is positioned upright and lifted by the competitor, who grips it with both hands underneath, resting it against their body. The competitor then sprints forward, gathering momentum, and hurls the caber into the air. The objective is for the caber to rotate end over end, with the top end touching the ground first, while the end initially held by the competitor follows through and hits the ground afterwards.

The goal is to make the caber land in alignment with the original running direction. If the caber is perfectly aligned, it is considered to be in the 12 o'clock position. Competitors are evaluated based on how closely their toss aligns with the 12 o'clock position.

Weight for distance, also known as the weight throw event. There are two separate events, one using a light (28 lb. for men and 14 lb. for women) and the other a heavy (56 lb for men, 42 lb. for masters men, and 28 lb. for women) weight. The weights are made of metal and have a handle attached using a chain. The implement is thrown with one hand using any technique. Usually, a spinning method is employed. The longest throw wins.

In this event, the participants aim to throw a weight weighing 56 pounds (4 stone) over a horizontal bar using one hand. 

Each athlete has three chances to clear the bar at each height. 

They can proceed to the next round with a higher bar if they successfully clear it. 

The highest successful toss determines the winner of the competition, and in case of tie scores, the fewest number of misses is considered to break the tie.

The hammer-throwing event features a hammer made from a metal ball weighing around 22 lb for men or 16 lb for women, attached to a wooden pole or handle.

Athletes use the handle to whirl the hammer around their head and then throw it as far as they can.