Our Ethos
MAD Decathlon was created to challenge society’s narrow definitions of manhood. Manhood shouldn't be defined by fitness, power or other such metrics — it’s about connection, stepping up when it counts, and contributing to something bigger than yourself. Around the campfire each night, we share stories, build camaraderie, and discover that the essence of strength lies in the connections we form and the limits we push together.
At MAD Decathlon, we believe every man carries a unique and evolving mix of strengths, skills, and even weaknesses—and the potential to grow. MAD isn’t just a competition; it’s a personal journey of self-assessment and improvement, set against the backdrop of dynamic, unpredictable challenges. It celebrates the balanced, Renaissance man as much as the highly specialized one, with trials designed to mirror the unpredictability and randomness of life itself.MAD Decathlon reimagines what it means to be a strong, capable man. It’s not about physical endurance alone but about resilience, adaptability, grit, and teamwork. True strength is found in how you persevere, show up for others, and rise to unexpected challenges. Every event is crafted to push boundaries, uncover hidden qualities, and fuel growth—not just individually, but as part of a community.
“Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.”
The Founders
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James is a trained international social worker and a lifelong adventurer. He co-founded MAD Decathlons as a better alternative to the typical bachelor party—something more real, more challenging, and built on camaraderie. He’s worked a wild mix of jobs—snowboard instructor, emergency response director, Alaskan fisherman, and even a reality TV contestant—but at the core of it all, he’s always been about bringing people together through adventure. MAD Decathlons isn’t just about competition; it’s about pushing limits, building bonds, and walking away with stories worth telling. And, ideally, keeping things just on the right side of legal.
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Jack is the definition of a seasoned Jack-of-all-trades, with careers in firefighting, law, and international development. He took his guitar and love of good scotch to Jordan, where he crossed paths with James and found a like-minded adventurer. A solid dad, a proud granddad, and the kind of guy who’s always up for a challenge, Jack knows the value of pushing through adversity and the stories that come from it. His “why not?” attitude is woven into every MAD event, making sure every challenge is as unforgettable as the guys taking it on.
How MAD Decathlons came to be……
