HYROX calls itself the fitness competition for everybody. As a 42-year-old who runs but who lacks much visible muscle on my upper body, I was skeptical as to whether ‘everybody’ really included me. But in the name of research, I signed up to see what it would be like to do HYROX as a runner.
I took part in the F45 HYROX London in the Women’s Open division. I arrived early to register and watch a few of the earlier waves. As I watched the women running around the course, my skepticism abated. There was a real range of women taking part with different strengths and weaknesses.
To recap (because it can get complicated) HYROX involves running 8 x 1km laps with various exercise stations (including ski erg, rowing, sled pull and push) in between them.
As a marathon runner, I felt confident about the running aspect of the event, but I was more apprehensive about taking on the 100m of burpees broad jumps and 100 wall balls. Other women that I had spoken to felt confident where I didn’t, but were worried about the running.
In the warm-up area there was plenty of HYROX kit available and some athletes were pushing and pulling the sleds or rowing. I opted to leave everything I had in the tank until we were out on the course and kept my warm-up routine very light. We were called forward to the starting line and a hype video played above our heads before a countdown clock sent us on our way and we spilled out onto the running track.
Taking on HYROX as a runner
It’s an unusual feeling running indoors and the course felt really fast. There was a faster inner lane and a ‘regular’ outer lane and I appreciated HYROX avoiding using the word slow here. The run route took us around the outside of the eight exercise stations that were grouped together in the middle.
Despite me overthinking the different elements of the competition and the order of them, everything flowed really easily. A large screen tells you when you’ve done enough laps of the track to tick off your km and sends you to the next exercise station. The race officials were enthusiastic and encouraging, and the judge counting my 100 wall balls was endlessly patient with just how long it was taking me (13 minutes, but honestly it felt like a lifetime).
Fancy trying HYROX as a runner? Here’s how to train for HYROX
How does HYROX differ from running events?
HYROX differs a lot from any running event I’ve done in many ways, aside from the exercise stations. There were no headphones allowed on the course, but there was a booming soundtrack over the speakers. For spectators, the race must be a joy as they can follow you around each of the exercise stations and get pretty close to the action. It far beats the 30 seconds they might see us run past for in a half marathon.
After 1 hour and 38 minutes, I crossed the finish line and was handed my finisher patch (not a medal) which is now proudly attached to my backpack. I’d definitely consider doing another HYROX or another hybrid fitness race. It’s been a great motivator to actually commit to regular strength training and that’s worth more than my finisher patch.
HYROX races take place across the world with several happening in the UK this year hyrox.com
