Competitive powerlifters and enthusiasts are returning to Marshalltown for the second M-Town Showdown.

This year 63 competitors, male and female ranging in age from 16 to 73, will compete in different weight classes.

Jake Reynolds, the owner of Black Iron Barbell, and Jake Hartman of DSM Barbell in Des Moines are once again responsible for bringing the event to Marshalltown.

Last year was the first time the competition was held in Marshalltown. More than 60 lifters participated in the Showdown, and brought an audience of 400 to 500 spectators. Reynolds said he had a goal to make it an annual event, and this year attendees might see some world records broken.

“A couple highlights I’m looking forward to is we have a 165-pound female attempting to squat and dead lift 500 pounds and possibly break some world records,” he said. “We also have another competitor coming up from Missouri. He said he would like to attempt a 1,000-pound dead lift.”

The competition begins today at 9 a.m. at Midnight Gardens. Karl’s of Marshalltown is the main event sponsor.

EVENT INFO:

Name: M-Town Showdown

Location: Midnight Gardens

Address: 1501 S. 17th Ave.

Dates: Saturday

Starting time: 9 a.m.

Tickets: $10 admission, 12 and younger are free

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210

or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.