Will More Elite Athletes Turn to HYROX?

As changes continue in CrossFit and efforts are made to establish a more stable format for the Games—free from constant shifts, especially in venues and competition systems—there’s a big question looming among fans of the sport: the rise of a new “discipline.”

With the emergence of HYROX, many athletes have decided to give it a try, including several elite CrossFit competitors, which might raise concerns for some.

Will More Athletes Transition to HYROX?

So far this offseason, CrossFit Games athlete Nick Mathew competed in a HYROX event in Chicago. Tia-Clair Toomey, Jay Crouch, Maddie Sturt, and James Newbury took part in another HYROX event in Melbourne, while Jayson Hopper announced he’ll compete at the HYROX event in Washington, D.C., this March.

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While HYROX is rapidly growing in popularity, its prize money still falls short compared to CrossFit. The winners of the HYROX World Championship earn $25,000, which is roughly equivalent to finishing 10th at the CrossFit Games in past years.

Whether for fun, to enhance their training, expand their fan base, or gain experience in a rising sport, incorporating more HYROX events into their schedule could benefit elite CrossFit athletes. While HYROX prize money isn’t yet a major draw, the events offer another platform for athletes to showcase their sponsors and build their profiles.

What Is HYROX?

HYROX is a global indoor fitness competition that combines running and functional workouts. Designed to be accessible for all fitness levels, HYROX has quickly become a popular event worldwide.

What Does a HYROX Race Involve?

1 km run

8 functional workout stations

Run and workout sequence repeated eight times

Staggered starts, with new waves of competitors beginning every 10 minutes

What Are the Workout Stations?

SkiErg

Sled Push

Sled Pull

Burpee Broad Jumps

Row

Farmer’s Carry

Sandbag Lunges

Wall Balls

What Are the HYROX Categories?

Open: The standard HYROX experience.

Pro: A more advanced and challenging version.

Doubles: Teams of two (mixed, all-male, or all-female) compete together.

Team Relay: Teams of four split the running and workout stations.

Who Founded HYROX?

Christian Toetzke and Moritz Fürste launched HYROX in Hamburg, Germany, in 2017.

Where Do HYROX Events Take Place?

HYROX races are held in large indoor venues, creating an electric, stadium-like atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.