
Hyrox has rapidly evolved from a niche fitness event into a global phenomenon, captivating athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and social media influencers alike. What started as an indoor competition in 2017 with just a handful of participants in Hamburg has now blossomed into one of the fastest-growing fitness events worldwide. With more than 40 global races and 90,000 athletes in 2023, Hyrox is changing the landscape of fitness challenges, blending sport and endurance with a sense of community and accessibility.
So, what exactly is Hyrox, and how did it become the latest sporting craze? Let’s dive into the exciting world of Hyrox, exploring its roots, its growth, and its immense appeal.
What is Hyrox?
Hyrox is a fitness event that challenges participants with a combination of running and functional fitness exercises. Unlike traditional races or fitness competitions, Hyrox consists of eight stages, each involving a 1-kilometre run followed by a specific fitness exercise. The exercises are designed to test endurance, strength, and agility, offering a balanced challenge for both amateur athletes and seasoned competitors.
The specific exercises include a 1km stint on a standing ski machine, 50m of sled pushes and pulls, 80m of burpee jumps, 1km of indoor rowing, kettlebell carrying for 200m, 100m lunges while carrying a sandbag, and finally, 100 throws and catches of a medicine ball off a wall. These exercises provide a diverse range of movements that push participants to their limits in terms of both cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance.
Hyrox events are typically held indoors, making them accessible year-round and appealing to people of all fitness levels. World championships are held annually, with races in both singles and doubles categories, and the 2024 World Championships in France will feature a new relay event by nationality, further highlighting the growing popularity of the sport.
How Hyrox Became a Global Fitness Sensation

While it may still be relatively unknown to some, Hyrox has gained considerable traction in recent years, primarily due to its perfect blend of accessibility, visibility, and social media engagement. The sport’s founder, Christian Toetzke, envisioned a competitive fitness event that would appeal to a wide range of people, from elite athletes to everyday gym-goers.
Accessibility: Fitness for Everyone
One of the key factors in Hyrox’s rise is its accessibility. Unlike extreme sports that require years of specialized training or expensive equipment, Hyrox can be participated in by anyone who has a reasonable level of fitness. The event is designed to be approachable but still challenging, meaning that even amateur athletes can train and compete, aiming to beat their personal bests.
Three-time world champion Lauren Weeks explains the accessibility aspect of Hyrox: “It’s challenging and it’s never going to be easy, but it’s accessible at the same time.” She emphasizes that a person can join with just a few months of training and still be able to complete the race, making it a great starting point for those wanting to push their limits. This accessibility, paired with the event’s universal appeal, has contributed to Hyrox’s rapid rise in popularity, particularly in countries like the UK, the US, and Germany.
Visibility: Going Viral
The sport’s marketing and use of social media have been instrumental in its growth. Hyrox has been designed to be easily shareable, with participants encouraged to post about their experience and achievements online. This is done through initiatives like “Training Club Tuesdays,” which promotes people tagging gyms that offer Hyrox training classes. The branding of Hyrox encourages participants to become “evangelists” for the sport, spreading the word and recruiting others to join in.
Hyrox events also incorporate elements of hype that enhance their appeal. Participants receive patches instead of medals, which they can wear on their gym bags, creating a sense of belonging and pride among those who compete. Additionally, amateur events are treated with a high level of professionalism, featuring walk-in tunnels, upbeat music, and enthusiastic hosts, all designed to make the experience more memorable and engaging. “They treat every single athlete as if they were a pro,” says Weeks. “There’s always a DJ playing upbeat music. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels like they’re competing at the highest level.”
The Hyrox Evangelists
At the heart of Hyrox’s success is its community of passionate participants who act as evangelists for the sport. Lauren Weeks, for example, was introduced to Hyrox in 2019 and quickly became hooked. She went on to win three world championships, and now competes full-time as a professional athlete. “As a kid, I had dreams of being a professional athlete, but that was just a child’s dream,” Weeks says, reflecting on how she transitioned from a trainee nurse to a world champion.
The Hyrox community also includes many amateur athletes who have embraced the sport’s inclusive ethos. Personal trainer Lucy Gabriel, for instance, was “peer pressured” into participating by a friend but has since competed in multiple events and even made her pro debut. Gabriel, who has become a certified Hyrox coach and judge, views the sport as more than just a competition. “It’s something you’re doing for yourself to beat your personal best,” she says. Gabriel’s perspective is shared by many Hyrox participants who, although they might not be elite competitors, still derive immense satisfaction from challenging themselves.
Is Hyrox Growing Too Fast?

Despite its success, there are concerns about whether Hyrox’s rapid growth is sustainable in the long term. As the sport’s popularity continues to soar, some athletes and event organizers worry that Hyrox could lose some of the elements that make it so appealing, such as its accessibility and community-oriented atmosphere.
The biggest challenge for participants in the UK, for example, is the overwhelming demand for tickets. “Events were originally only selling out in the UK,” says Lauren Weeks. “Now they’re selling out everywhere, and in the UK, it is so popular that they have to have a lottery to get a ticket.” As the sport gains more attention, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to secure a spot at some of the most sought-after events.
Moreover, as Hyrox events sell out quickly, there has been a rise in ticket reselling, creating a sense of “FOMO” (fear of missing out) among those who are unable to secure a place. This practice of reselling tickets can exacerbate the frustration among participants and may detract from the inclusiveness that Hyrox originally championed. “People will buy tickets and it’ll sell out really quickly, then, as you get closer to the event, there’s people selling their tickets. That’s quite a big thing at the moment,” says Gabriel.
Hyrox in 2025 and Beyond
As we move further into 2025, Hyrox is set to continue its upward trajectory, with even more global events planned and new innovations in the pipeline. The introduction of a relay event by nationality at the 2024 World Championships marks an exciting evolution for the sport, encouraging more international participation and fostering a sense of global competition.
Hyrox’s focus on endurance, accessibility, and community-driven engagement ensures that it will remain a key player in the fitness landscape. Whether you’re aiming to compete as a professional or simply looking for a fitness challenge that pushes you to your limits, Hyrox offers something for everyone.
In conclusion, Hyrox’s ability to combine the excitement of sport, the dedication of endurance, and the sense of community is what makes it so special. The sport is undoubtedly here to stay, and its growth shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone just looking for a new challenge, Hyrox could be the next sporting craze worth considering.