HYROX: My Journey So Far

HYROX is very much a growing entity. I competed in my first HYROX race in October 2023 with very little knowledge of what the sport was. Fast forward to now, it has taken over my life along with thousands of others around the world! You don't have to travel too far before you see a built for athlete’s bag covered in HYROX patches...

What is HYROX?

HYROX is a fitness race that combines endurance (running) and functional strength. Every race follows the same format, which is eight 1km runs each followed by a functional workout station. The full race structure goes as follows;

People can enter the race as individuals, in pairs or in a relay team. They then compete in the open or pro division categorised by male, female or mixed. This determines what weights are used in the race. The winner(s) of the race is whoever completes it in the quickest time. However, the inclusivity of this sport is brilliant and not all competitors are turning up hoping to win. All shapes and sizes with differing abilities are on the course come race day and it is inspiring to see so many people bettering themselves through health and fitness.

My personal HYROX journey has been a rollercoaster so far. I have 18 races under my belt and have experienced many highs like finishing on numerous podiums, and the inevitable lows of sport during tough races where things don't quite go as planned! As someone who is striving to get as far as I can in the sport and have committed 100%, I can honestly say that on a physical and mental level, I am in a much better place than when I started. 

I have worked hard in training over the last 18 months and have been fortunate enough to travel all over Europe competing in HYROX, and more so recently Las Vegas. During my first season 23/24, I managed to qualify for the World Championships in Nice, France in the singles and doubles division, which was a mega experience. This year, the standard of competition has improved in line with the growing popularity of the sport.

With the World Championships this season being held in Chicago, it was a goal of mine to get there again and be able to travel over the pond again to compete against some of the best athletes in the sport whilst visiting another cool city. I am yet to qualify in the singles, but thankfully, I have secured my spot in the doubles race so will be heading to Chicago!

Join me on this "Road to Chicago" blog series where I will discuss all things HYROX and everything it entails on the way to the World Championships.

Danny