Hyrox became the latest sporting craze
Hyrox: The Rapidly Growing Sport Straddling Fitness and Competition
Hyrox, a sport blending elements of racing and fitness, finds itself at an intriguing crossroads. While it may not yet be a household name, its popularity has surged to the point where UK events have had to implement ticket lotteries due to overwhelming demand. The sport, founded eight years ago, has become a social media phenomenon, with its ardent followers referring to themselves as “evangelists.”
The journey of Hyrox began in Hamburg, where its inaugural event attracted 650 participants. Since then, the sport has experienced exponential growth. According to its official website, over 40 global races were held in 2023 alone, drawing more than 90,000 athletes and 50,000 spectators. As we approach Blue Monday—a day often associated with abandoned New Year’s fitness resolutions—Hyrox presents itself as a compelling option for those seeking a fresh challenge.
What is Hyrox?
Established in 2017, Hyrox is an indoor endurance discipline. Competitors engage in eight sequential one-kilometer runs, each followed by a specific fitness exercise. The regimen includes a one-kilometer standing ski machine, a 50-meter sled push, a 50-meter sled pull, 80 meters of burpee jumps, one kilometer of indoor rowing, a 200-meter kettlebell carry, 100 meters of sandbag lunges, and finally, 100 medicine ball throws against a wall.
Hyrox hosts annual world championships, featuring both singles and doubles races. The 2024 championships in France introduced a new relay event categorized by nationality. Though reminiscent of CrossFit, Hyrox differentiates itself through simpler exercises and a greater emphasis on endurance rather than raw strength.
The Appeal of Hyrox
Two factors primarily drive Hyrox’s popularity: accessibility and visibility. The sport is meticulously crafted for virality, employing tactics such as awarding patches instead of medals, which participants can affix to their gym bags, and promoting “Training Club Tuesdays,” where gyms offering classes are tagged on social media.
“It’s challenging but accessible,” says Lauren Weeks, a three-time world champion. “There’s a sense of pride in being able to train someone off the street for a few months and have them complete it. Every athlete is treated like a pro, with a hype person, a walk-in tunnel, and a DJ playing upbeat music at amateur events. Timing chips provide exact splits for every exercise, adding to the professional feel. They get so many things right.”
Personal Stories and the Hyrox Community
Lauren Weeks, once a trainee nurse, was introduced to Hyrox in 2019 and has since transitioned into a full-time competitor. She captured the women’s world championship in 2020, repeated her victory in 2021, and again in 2023, just ten months after giving birth. Remarkably, she even competed while seven months pregnant in 2022.
“As a kid, I dreamed of being a professional athlete, but it felt like just that—a dream,” she reflects. “It’s wild that it actually happened.”
On the amateur level, Hyrox is thriving, particularly in the UK. Lucy Gabriel, a personal trainer since 2019, was persuaded by a friend to participate in a Hyrox event. Since then, she has competed in multiple amateur contests, made her professional debut in 2024, and has two more events lined up for 2025. Gabriel has also become a certified Hyrox coach and judge.
“I wouldn’t call it a competition unless you’re in the elite,” Gabriel explains. “It’s more like a marathon—a mass participation event where you’re competing against your personal best. I’m a bit of an evangelist. When I see other women on the track, they’re my inspiration rather than competition.”
Challenges of Rapid Growth
Despite its success, Hyrox faces challenges due to its rapid expansion. Both Weeks and Gabriel express concerns about whether the sport is growing too quickly, potentially compromising its accessibility.
“Initially, only UK events were selling out,” Weeks notes. “Now, they’re selling out everywhere. In the UK, getting a ticket has become so competitive that they’ve introduced a lottery system. People may need to consider traveling to other countries like Germany or Italy to secure a spot.”
Gabriel adds, “There’s a lot of FOMO [fear of missing out]. People buy tickets quickly, and as the event date nears, some end up reselling them. That’s a significant issue right now.”
The Future of Hyrox
Hyrox’s rapid rise is both a testament to its appeal and a challenge to its sustainability. As it continues to grow, balancing accessibility and maintaining the quality of the experience will be crucial. For now, Hyrox remains a unique and compelling option for fitness enthusiasts seeking a new and rewarding challenge.
