Hyrox, a new kind of fitness competition that’s taking the world by storm, shows no signs of slowing down. This year alone, 1.3 million people are projected to race in a Hyrox event around the world. The competition pits athletes’ running skills against a gauntlet of highly challenging physical tasks. It has drawn a fascinating array of racers, including sustainability champion Allana Falconer, who’s raced in all 20 events since first accepting the challenge in 2023.
Hyrox started out as a novel combination of endurance and strength training. It consists of eight one-kilometre runs, each preceded by undulating series of exercises such as burpee broad jumps, sled pulls and rowing. This unique format of running not only pushes physical boundaries but creates this powerful sense of camaraderie and community among participants. As a result, Falconer has raced across six countries and 12 cities—meeting fellow athletes and forming ties through similar spiritual journeys.
I’ve completely in love with Hyrox,” Falconer said in reference to her passion for the sport. She pointed to how expensive it can be to compete overseas. It costs on average at least £400 to cover the cost of travel and accommodation, plus another £120 needed to pay for an entry ticket.
Another prominent mover and shaker in the Hyrox world is Evgenia Koroleva, owner of the ONE LDN gym in London. Koroleva has invested £75,000 in creating a bespoke Hyrox space within her establishment, recognizing the growing interest among fitness enthusiasts. She explained the addictive nature of Hyrox: “Hyrox has created this addiction for people who do it because they never really do one race. When they complete that first race, they register for another one. The consistent course design encourages personal competition.”
The social element of Hyrox is really amazing. So Jorell Hill has found himself in 10 races since relocating to London a little over a year ago. He told us how the sport has allowed him to make new friends. “I’ve definitely caught the bug,” he remarked. Hill emphasized a shift in his spending habits, stating, “Instead of spending money on going out clothes, I’m just buying new fitness kit.” He’s aiming to move on to international competition later this year.
While that sounds amazing, physicians and other health experts warn of the dangers that can come with high-pressure training cycles. Dr Florence Kinnafick, senior academic at Loughborough University, whose research focus is on the relationship between physical activity and mental health. She cautions that participants could be in danger of overtraining if they get too fixated on pushing their limits. “The emphasis on competition isn’t attractive to everybody,” she noted, reminding athletes to maintain a balanced approach to their fitness journeys.
Hyrox’s draw appears to be cutting across demographics, as evidenced by the gender parity among competitors, nearly an even split. The popular event attracts both elite competitors and amateurs. Importantly, it creates an atmosphere of inclusivity that draws everyone in, inviting participation from all, regardless of their fitness level.
Beyond the competition, Hyrox makes a powerful statement about exercise being a non-negotiable lifestyle choice. “Exercise is non-negotiable and part of their identity,” Koroleva stated, underlining the role fitness plays in many people’s lives today. This approach to the philosophy fuels participants who are looking for more than a fitness challenge, but mental health wellness through the active commitment.
In an interview, one of our former competitors expressed her concerns about the monetary costs of competing on the world stage. “Travelling abroad plus the costs involved to run around a bit and get out of breath is a stretch for me,” they shared on Reddit, reflecting a common concern among those looking to partake in global events.