HYROX, billed as ‘the World Series of Fitness Racing’, has celebrated a milestone weekend with a number of firsts for the mass participation event series, which has reportedly seen growth of over 100% year-on-year.
This past weekend, HYROX saw almost 8,000 athletes compete – with athletes taking part at its events in London (4,800 participants), Dallas (1,800 participants) and Hong Kong (1,200 participants) along with over 5,000 spectators.
The weekend also marked the first ever Asian race, in Hong Kong, which was held at the Hong Kong Fitness + Wellness Expo part of the regionally significant Asia World Expo.
HYROX adds that it is increasing its presence at major expo events with the largest square foot presence of any brand at the world’s largest fitness expo FIBO in 2023.
In London over 4,500 athletes took part in the largest ever single event for HYROX, held at London ExCeL. The event reportedly sold out months in advance and had a 1,500 person waiting list for tickets. This fuelled the decision to expand the next London race to a two-day event at London Olympia in 2023.
Meanwhile, in Dallas over 1,800 athletes raced at the Hilton Anatole, an increase in participation of over 100% on the same race last year.
HYROX CEO Christian Toetzke said “This weekend is an important milestone in the development of HYROX as a global movement, notwithstanding the significant logistical challenges of hosting three large events on three different continents and three different time zones.
“The overwhelming demand for spots, ranging from our most established races like London, to first time events like Hong Kong with over 1,000 participants, is significant for us. We are developing a truly global community of enthusiastic athletes and passionate fans who recognise the quality of the events we run and trust us to execute an incredible athlete experience.”
HYROX was founded in 2017 by Christian Toetzke, an industry veteran in the international cycling, marathon and triathlon world, and Moritz Furste, a former elite Germany hockey player and entrepreneur.
The event format aims to bridge the gap between traditional long-distance endurance events and functional fitness, and attracts competitive athletes and enthusiasts from a variety of sporting backgrounds.
HYROX has reported strong growth since its inception: from one race with 650 participants in 2017 to 45 races in 11 countries and an estimated 90,000 participants forecast to toe the start line in 2023. The 2021-22 Season World Championships Race in Las Vegas was the subject of a feature length documentary that aired on ESPN.
Bolstered by an initial investment from the Infront Sports & Media Group in 2019 and aligned with international brand partners, including Puma and Red Bull, HYROX is now continuing its global expansion plans with new races and new markets opening.
