Fort St. John shines at Northern Classic bodybuilding competition

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fitness performers from Fort St. John had their chance to shine during the Northern Classic Open bodybuilding competition last weekend in Grande Prairie.

According to organizer Jeni Briscoe, eight competitors from the energetic city were among the 65 who took part in the event in different categories, including “Classic,” “Bodybuilding,” and “Figure” physiques.

Briscoe has been involved in the bodybuilding scene since the late 1990s and runs The Gym, a fitness facility located at 10208 100th Street in Fort St. John.

“[Back when I started the event], there was nothing north of Prince George,” explained Briscoe.  “I felt that they were missing a big portion of the province.” 

“It’s hard to travel when you’re competing. You’ve got to have a water load and watch your food. There were only 28 competitors in the first year, but the theatre at the North Peace Cultural Centre sold out. It just grew from there.”

Andrea Taylor, Evelyn Grassie, Lyle Goldie, Ryan Fortier, Jane Bettles, Darryl Maclellan, and husband-and-wife Alex and Krystal Cornish were all among the Fort St. John competitors.

The top three competitors in each category can head to more prominent shows in Toronto and Vancouver.

The Northern Classic has been held since 2001, and Briscoe says each year brings participants from all over, including as far away as Alaska, to the competition.

”It’s always been my passion to share this sport,” said Briscoe.  “Every year, it goes and grows, so it makes me happy.”

The competition began as a regional event and is now sanctioned by the governing body of bodybuilding, the International Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding (IFBB), and the Canadian Physique Alliance (CPA).

With the event taking place on October 26th and 27th,  Briscoe says work is underway for the 2025 event.

More information about the Northern Classic can be found through the event’s Instagram and Facebook pages.