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SURF and HYROX hit it off, with expanded dating platform partnership into UK, Ireland and Latin America

By
Gary
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SURF dating app and HYROX partnership expands

Dating app SURF has announced the expansion of its partnership with global fitness racing series HYROX, becoming the official dating app partner of HYROX in the UK, Ireland, and Latin America.

The expansion builds on SURF’s existing role as the official dating app partner of HYROX Americas and Australia. According to SURF it provides fitness-minded singles with opportunities to connect through shared interests in training, endurance sports, and active lifestyles.

Rob Long, Chief Executive Officer at SURF, said “SURF is built around the idea that your personal interests and lifestyle matter when you’re dating. HYROX is a perfect example of that.

“We’ve seen people connect over training, competition and what it takes to be a HYROX athlete through our partnership in the US, and the Blind First Dates have really brought that to life. It’s proof that when you give people something real to connect over, dating feels a lot easier.”

As part of the expanded agreement, SURF will bring its ‘Blind First Dates’ activation to upcoming events, including the Rio de Janeiro race in November 2026 and the London ExCeL race in December 2026. The concept pairs selected single athletes who have not previously met to compete together as doubles partners during the race.

The activation has recorded over nine million views on social media and received more than 7,000 applications across previous events in New York, NY, and Miami, FL. Following previous activations, 90% of participating couples reported continued communication or subsequent dates within a week of their race.

Moritz Fürste, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at HYROX, said “The HYROX community is built on shared passion, and pushing your limits together, so expanding our partnership with SURF across the UK, Ireland, and Latin America allows our athletes to connect in a truly unique way.

“HYROX brings people together, both on and off the race floor. Seeing the reaction to SURF’s Blind First Dates in the US showed us just how powerful a shared love of fitness can be, and we’re excited to extend that to the rest of the world through expansion of this partnership.”

The upcoming HYROX calendar for the UK, Ireland, and Latin America includes:

  • Sao Paulo, Brazil – October 17–18, 2026
  • Birmingham, UK – October 27 – November 1, 2026
  • Dublin, Ireland – November 11–15, 2026
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – November 21–22, 2026
  • London ExCeL, UK – December 2–6, 2026

Founded in 2024, New York-based SURF features a grid-style interface allowing users to view available singles and filter profiles by specific fitness interests, including a dedicated HYROX affiliation tag. The platform aims to reduce time spent swiping by connecting users around shared lifestyle activities and live events.

HYROX, founded in Germany in 2017, organises fitness races globally featuring a standardized format of eight 1km runs alternated with eight functional workout stations. The series holds events across more than 30 countries and six continents for both elite and amateur competitors.

www.surfdating.com
www.hyrox.com

 

Runna partners with Loughborough University to embed sports science into its platform

By
Gary
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Runna x Loughborough University

Running coaching app Runna (which is part of Strava) has announced a partnership with Loughborough University in the UK to embed sports science insights into its platform.

The collaboration will see academic research from Loughborough University integrated directly into Runna’s training logic. The initiative aims to review how the app’s training plans structure pace, distance progression, intensity distribution, and recovery protocols against current scientific literature on training load.

Runna notes that its training plans are created by qualified coaches using established training principles, tailored to an individual runner’s history with progressive loading and recovery built in. Given the high incidence of injuries within running, the partnership is designed to apply academic rigour to these coach-led plans, supporting a global user base ranging from 5km beginners to ultramarathon runners.

The academic review will be led by Dr Richard Blagrove, Reader in Applied Exercise Physiology and Athlete Performance at Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences.

Dr Blagrove specialises in endurance running physiology and the application of strength and conditioning for distance runners. His research focuses on practical methods to improve running performance and reduce injury risk. He is also the author of ‘Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Running’ and has consulted for various national sporting bodies.

Dr Richard Blagrove, Reader in Applied Exercise Physiology and Athlete Performance at Loughborough University, said “Running can be a demanding activity with a high risk of overuse injury.

“Several factors, including training load, training progression and recovery, play an important role in helping runners achieve their goals while managing their risk of injury. Our work with Runna will build the latest sports science on those specific areas into their expert training logic that has been developed by their qualified coaches. By combining sports science alongside Runna’s coach expertise, it will offer a unique, best-in-class training experience for runners around the world that cannot be replicated by generic AI training plans.”

Steph Kessell, Head Coach at Runna, added “Our ambition is to help make running training more effective, enjoyable and easy for everyone, and we love that more people are taking up running than ever before.

“We’re proud to make expert coaching accessible and affordable for everyone. Runna estimates a 43% lower self-reported rate of injury per 1000 hours of training when compared to a 2015 Sports Medicine benchmark. Through this partnership, we are ensuring our training plans incorporate the ever-evolving and latest sport science research, which will go one step further to best support runners at all levels to train sustainably.”

The project forms part of a wider collaboration alongside parent company Strava, mirroring similar sports science partnerships such as Strava’s work with Stanford University.

Founded in 2021 and officially launched in March 2022, London-based Runna is a subscription-based coaching app available on iOS and Android across more than 180 countries. The company was named a finalist for Apple’s App of the Year in 2024 before being acquired by Strava in 2025.

Loughborough University, located in Leicestershire, UK, has been ranked first in the world for sports-related subjects in the QS World University Rankings for 10 consecutive years through 2026. The institution’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences conducts internationally recognised research into human movement, athletic performance, and sports medicine.

www.runna.com

 

Anfi Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria adopting two-day format in 2027

By
Gary
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Anfi Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria introduces two-day format for 2027

Next year’s Anfi Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria 2027 will introduce a new race format, separating the age group and professional fields across two days.

Under the revised structure, age group athletes will compete on Saturday April 17, 2027, whilst the professional race will take place on Sunday April 18, 2027.

The schedule adjustment aims to create a clear course for the professional field, enabling event officials to enforce a 20-metre drafting rule. For age group participants, the dedicated race day provides additional space on the course and allows athletes to view the professional races on Sunday.

The event features a revised 100km course as part of the new and expanded Triathlon World Tour in Gran Canaria, Spain. This follows PTO’s acquisition of a majority shareholding in Challenge Family earlier this year.

Jordi Gonzalez, Event Race Director at Anfi Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria, said “Separating the professional and age group races gives us the opportunity to provide an even better experience for every athlete.

“Age groupers will have more space to enjoy their own race on Saturday and can then be part of the atmosphere supporting the professionals on Sunday. For the pro race, a clear course combined with the 20-metre drafting rule will provide the conditions for safe, fair and exciting racing. This, along with the new 100km course, marks an exciting new era for triathlon in Gran Canaria.”

According to the event organising team… ‘The new weekend format is expected to further strengthen Anfi Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria’s position as a destination race, combining world-class competition with the opportunity for athletes and their supporters to enjoy a complete race weekend in one of Europe’s most spectacular year-round training and holiday destinations.’

The Anfi Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria, the first event of the European season and part of the Challenge Family circuit, is the only international triathlon held in Gran Canaria, thanks to the support of the Mogán Town Council, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria through Turismo de Gran Canaria and the Island Sports Institute, the Government of the Canary Islands, Grupo Anfi, Anfi Sports Academy, the Canary Islands Triathlon Federation, and other collaborating organisations.

Further details on the 2027 Anfi Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria professional field and race weekend programme will be announced in due course.

www.challenge-grancanaria.com
www.protriathletes.org
www.challenge-family.com

 

Mount to Coast runs with One Hundred trail series

By
Gary
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Mount to Coast runs with One Hundred trail series

Trail run event specialist One Hundred has announced ultra-running footwear brand Mount to Coast as an official partner for its international championship series.

The collaboration marks the start of a long-term partnership integrated across the One Hundred event calendar, beginning at Cro Trail in Italy on September 2026. The partnership will focus on race coverage, athlete profiles, and behind-the-scenes content highlighting athlete performances across 100-mile and 200-mile ultra-endurance distances.

Matthew Feng, Marketing Director at Mount to Coast, said “We are proud to be the official partner of One Hundred. For years, it has been deeply committed to the 100- and 200-mile distances and the global ultrarunning community, delivering exceptional race experiences around the world. This aligns perfectly with our brand philosophy: transcend distance.”

The content produced throughout the agreement will highlight technical terrain, crew support, and race preparation, featuring Mount to Coast products in live race environments.

Based in Hong Kong, Mount to Coast is a performance footwear brand engineered specifically for long-distance and ultra-endurance runners. The company notes that it focuses on developing footwear designed to support athletes through extreme mileage on roads, trails, and complex terrain.

www.onehundredtrail.com
www.mounttocoast.com

 

Shout out for runners: launch of Back My Run app for runner audio support

By
Gary
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Back My Run banner

Back My Run, a new race-day companion app designed to deliver recorded messages of encouragement at specified GPS milestones, has launched on the App Store and Google Play.

The app allows runners to create an event or personal route for distances ranging from a 5km run to an ultramarathon. Supporters can record voice notes using a web browser without needing to download an app, create an account, or pay. The supporter chooses the specific course distance where each message will play.

During a race, Back My Run plays the audio messages through the runner’s headphones as they reach designated distances. Audio files and course details are downloaded prior to the start of the event, allowing playback to function without a mobile connection in areas such as tunnels, remote trails, or crowded event areas. The audio also functions while a smartphone screen is locked.

Following an event, the audio notes remain available within the app. Users can also generate digital media including photograph, race metrics, and supporter lists, or a video option pairing a finish-line image with a voice message.

Back My Run Founder Daniel Moores said “During a 30-kilometre training run, I imagined how powerful it would be to hear the voice of someone I loved at that exact point. Every runner reaches a difficult kilometre. Back My Run makes sure they don’t have to face it alone.”

The concept was developed by Moores following his participation in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Marathon, where he ran in memory of his grandparents to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and the Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.

Moores added “Behind every runner is a group of people who helped them reach the start line. We created Back My Run so those people can be present during the race, wherever in the world they happen to be.”

Based in Dubai, UAE, Back My Run offers the app as a free download, with a runner’s first 5km event available at no cost. Additional distance options and unlimited usage are accessed via in-app purchases, whilst supporters access the platform free of charge.

Key features of the platform include:

  • Audio notes played automatically at selected GPS milestones
  • Shareable link for supporters without app download requirements
  • Offline playback functionality once downloaded before the event start
  • Coverage for distances from 5km to ultramarathons on personal or organised routes
  • Digital post-race summary assets and video options

www.backmyrun.com

 

PTO names DHL official logistics partner for T100 Triathlon World Tour events in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Qatar

By
Gary
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DHL x PTO, T100 Triathlon

The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has signed a strategic partnership with international logistics company DHL for the final three events of the 2026 T100 Triathlon World Tour.

Under the agreement, DHL Global Event Logistics will serve as the Official Logistics Partner for the GCC leg of the tour, managing international freight and event logistics across Dubai (November 13–15, 2026), Saudi Arabia (November 27, 2026), and the T100 World Championship Finals in Qatar (December 10–12, 2026).

The logistics operations will focus on freight visibility, customs compliance, operational coordination, and time-critical delivery for international inbound and outbound movement of event materials and equipment.

Sue Donoghue, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding KSA, said “We are extremely proud that DHL Global Event Logistics has been appointed the Official Logistics Partner for the Professional Triathletes Organisation and the T100 Triathlon World Tour across its three GCC events in 2026.

“Delivering major international sporting events requires detailed planning, customs expertise, operational precision and full visibility at every stage of the logistics journey. This is where our team brings real value – helping to ensure that critical equipment and event materials arrive safely, on time and exactly where they need to be.

“With Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Qatar hosting the final stages of the 2026 T100 season, this partnership gives us an exciting opportunity to demonstrate DHL’s specialist event logistics capabilities across three of the region’s most important sporting markets.”

Stuart Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer at the PTO, said “We are delighted to welcome DHL as a partner for our 2026 GCC events. Delivering world-class international sporting events across multiple countries requires experienced partners who understand the complexity, deadlines and operational standards involved.

“DHL brings an exceptional global network together with significant experience in international event logistics, and we look forward to working together across Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Qatar as we continue to grow the T100 Triathlon World Tour.”

The nine-stop 2026 T100 Triathlon World Tour – run under a 12-year partnership with World Triathlon as ‘the official world championship for long-distance triathlon’ – features a 100km race format comprising a 2km swim, 80km cycle, and 18km run. Previous 2026 stops have included Gold Coast, Singapore, Spain, San Francisco, and Vancouver, with the French Riviera scheduled for September 19–20, 2026, ahead of the Middle East events.

www.t100triathlon.com

 

Garmin unveils fēnix 9 and fēnix 9 Pro smartwatches

By
Gary
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Garmin Fenix 9 product family

GPS smartwatch manufacturer Garmin has introduced the fēnix 9 and fēnix 9 Pro, expanding its flagship multisport smartwatch lineup for athletes and outdoor endurance enthusiasts.

The range introduces several hardware and software updates across both models, which are available in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes.

The fēnix 9 features an AMOLED display that is twice as bright as the fēnix 8, paired with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, leakproof buttons, and a 40m dive rating. Internal hardware upgrades include 64GB of memory and 50% more RAM than its predecessor, enabling up to 30% faster map panning via an updated map engine and a new perspective view for navigation.

The fēnix 9 Pro introduces Garmin’s first titanium watch case, built using nano-molding technology to combine metal and plastic at the molecular level to reduce overall casing thickness. The 51mm Pro variant incorporates a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, offering up to 3,000 nits of brightness and a 15% larger screen area without increasing case dimensions. Solar charging screen options are also available on select Pro models, offering up to 57 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.

Both watches introduce Garmin Epic, a new software feature in Garmin Connect that allows users to group activities recorded over days, weeks, or months into a single shareable story featuring performance data and photos.

Additional performance features across the range include:

  • Enhanced stamina metrics featuring stamina zones and stamina curve tools to assist with pacing during activities
  • Expanded rucking features, enabling users to adjust pack weights up to 100kg, track target metrics, and follow GORUCK workouts
  • Indoor rowing updates providing VO2 Max and power curve data when connected to a compatible power meter
  • An integrated LED flashlight on Pro models featuring a new green light mode to preserve night vision

Select fēnix 9 Pro models feature built-in satellite and LTE connectivity via inReach technology. This enables phone-free voice, text, and SOS communications linked to the 24/7 Garmin Response coordination center, as well as LiveTrack notifications, location tracking via Garmin Locate, and satellite-delivered weather forecasts through the Garmin Messenger app.

Susan Lyman, Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing at Garmin, said “fēnix 9 and fēnix 9 Pro are purpose-built for those who want to perform better and venture farther.

“Athletes can better understand endurance gains and train smarter with advanced stamina metrics, while superior navigation tools help adventurers stay confidently on course. And with the new Garmin Epic feature, activities are turned into stories for users to relive. With these fēnix smartwatches on their wrist, our customers can redefine what they thought possible.”

The series is available to order from August 28, 2026. The fēnix 9 starts at £859.99 / €999.99, while the fēnix 9 Pro starts at £949.99 / €1,099.99.

www.garmin.com

 

HYROX x Amazon partnership on global e-commerce and event title sponsorship

By
Gary
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Amazon x HYROX global partnership

HYROX has announced a global partnership with e-commerce giant Amazon. According to the event organiser and retail giant, the new tie-up is designed to support athletes with training equipment, nutrition, and apparel across the HYROX global event calendar.

As part of the agreement, Amazon will serve as the title partner for the HYROX London ExCeL event in December 2026.

The collaboration introduces dedicated HYROX storefronts on Amazon, initially launching in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. The online storefronts aggregate verified sports nutrition, training gear, wearable technology, recovery products, and official equipment from HYROX partner brands, such as RowErg.

Alongside retail integration, Amazon Music is launching curated HYROX playlists specifically engineered to match the pacing and intensity of the race format’s functional stations and 1km running segments.

Founded in Hamburg in 2017, HYROX has reported over 1.5 million participants across 105 events in 35 countries during the previous season. The mass-participation fitness racing series projects that athlete participation will exceed 2 million during the 2026/2027 season.

Rocco Bräuniger, Country Manager for DACH at Amazon, said “At Amazon, we’re inspired by what HYROX has built – a global community where a first-timer and an elite athlete line up for the same race, in the same format, anywhere in the world.

“That spirit of accessibility resonates with us. We want to make it as easy as possible for this community to find what they need to prepare, compete, and recover – all in one place, at great prices, delivered fast.”

Moritz Fürste, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at HYROX, said “This partnership marks a major milestone for HYROX and reflects the incredible global growth of the sport we have witnessed this season.

“Partnering with Amazon allows us to better support our rapidly expanding community by making it easier for athletes to access the products they need to prepare, train and race, all in one place, so they can get the support they need from start to finish.”

www.hyrox.com

 

POC partners with Magdeleine Vallières on limited-edition Cytal helmet

By
Gary
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POC partners with Magdeleine Vallières on limited-edition Cytal helmet

Swedish safety and performance brand POC has partnered with reigning UCI Road World Champion Magdeleine Vallières to release a limited-edition version of its Cytal road helmet.

The partnership celebrates the EF Education–Oatly rider’s 2025 World Championship victory and her season competing in the rainbow bands. In September 2025, Vallières soloed to victory in Kigali, Rwanda, becoming Canada’s first elite road race world champion in the sport’s 98-year history.

Prior to that victory, Vallières was ranked 149th internationally, having spent previous seasons riding in support of teammates at events such as the Vuelta a España Femenina, Giro d’Italia Women, and Tour de France Femmes.

Amber Stackhouse, Director of Global Sports Marketing at POC, said “Mags is often described as selfless, hard-working, humble, and fun. She is just the kind of rider every team wants and needs. She also exudes a talent that was evident in Kigali, and her win was no surprise to those who know her.

“The victory was as exceptional as Mags. To celebrate the year, her perspective, her personality, and the next Worlds in Canada, we wanted to create a unique special edition together.”

The limited-edition helmet is built on the foundation of the POC Cytal model. Designed in collaboration with Vallières, the graphic elements reflect her Québec heritage and personal background. The helmet features a fleur-de-lis and maple leaf, illustrations of corn and Canadian maple syrup, and her personal race mantra: ‘full commitment, no regrets’.

Magdeleine Vallières said “Being able to ride this year as the World Champion, and represent the rainbow jersey is such a privilege and high point in my career so far. But getting to this point is all based on where I have come from.

“When POC and I started creating a helmet design together, I knew immediately that I wanted my Canadian roots to shine through. The food, the people, the heritage have all played a role in forging the person and racer I am today. And what better way to celebrate a year as World Champion, especially as I head home to defend the title.”

The launch comes as the UCI Road World Championships prepare to return to Montréal, Québec, in September 2026. This marks the first time in 52 years that the event will be hosted in Canada, and the first time it will take place in Vallières’ home province.

Technologically, the limited-edition Cytal incorporates aerodynamic and ventilation features adapted from POC’s Cytal Carbon model. The helmet features an EPS liner with variable density across different zones, developed using heat map data analysed by POC’s internal research team. The Cytal has been tested by Virginia Tech and earned a five-star safety rating.

For ventilation, the helmet utilizes POC’s Venturi effect approach to airflow. An integrated frontal wing is designed to increase air velocity, capturing and directing air through linear interior channels across the head rather than over the exterior. According to the company, this design significantly reduces the high-pressure zone at the front of the helmet, improving the aerodynamic profile while providing active cooling.

Rotational impact protection is handled by an integrated Mips Air Node system, designed to manage angled impact forces. The helmet also features a multi-directional adjustment system – including removable front brow pads, lateral strap adjusters, and a vertical rear cradle adjustment – alongside an integrated eye garage to hold sunglasses.

The helmet is available in sizes Small (50–56cm), Medium (54–59cm), and Large (56–61cm). Weights for the CE/EN certified version are listed as 250g for Small, 270g for Medium, and 300g for Large (CPSC versions weigh 300g, 320g, and 340g respectively).

Pricing for the limited-edition helmet is set at US$380 / €340 / £310 / CAD 470.

www.pocsports.com

 

Run For All launches 2027 season ticket packages

By
Gary
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Run For All - Leeds 10K

Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All has launched its 2027 season ticket packages, offering runners across the UK discounted entries, exclusive early access, and a unique finisher medal for completing their chosen package.

The event organiser operates a series of races across the UK as part of Jane Tomlinson’s legacy, which has raised millions of pounds for children’s and cancer charities. The new packages allow runners to plan their 2027 race calendar in advance across events in cities such as Leeds, Sheffield, York, and Lincoln.

Runners can choose from a range of distance combinations, including marathons, half marathons, and 10K races. Flagship events featured in the packages include the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, Altra Yorkshire Marathon, Leeds 10K, and the Abbey Dash. Regional multi-race options are also available, combining local 10K and half marathon events in Sheffield and Lincoln.

New for the 2027 season, participants who complete all events in their selected package will receive an exclusive finisher medal in addition to the medals earned at each individual race. Season ticket holders will also receive early access to enter selected events, such as the Leeds Half Marathon, before general public entry opens.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All, said “We’re delighted to launch our 2027 season ticket packages, giving runners an easy and affordable way to plan their year of events in advance while making valuable savings on entry fees.

“Whether someone is stepping up to a new distance, chasing a personal best or simply looking to stay active throughout the year, our season tickets provide the flexibility and value to support those goals.

“By committing to multiple events, runners can build consistency into their training, stay motivated, and enjoy being part of the incredible running communities across our event cities.”

The available 2027 season ticket packages include:

  • Leeds Duo (Leeds Half Marathon and Leeds 10K)
  • Leeds Duo (Abbey Dash and Leeds 10K)
  • Yorkshire Double (Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Altra Yorkshire Marathon)
  • White Rose Duo (Leeds Half Marathon and Sheffield Half Marathon)
  • White Rose Treble (Sheffield Half Marathon, Leeds Half Marathon, and Altra Yorkshire Marathon)
  • Lincoln Duo (Lincoln Half Marathon and Lincoln 10K)
  • Sheffield Duo (Sheffield Half Marathon and Sheffield 10K)

www.runforall.com

 

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