More than 21,000 people gathered in Barcelona between 14 and 17 May for the official Hyrox competition, a fitness discipline experiencing a major surge in popularity. This figure is double the number of participants from last year, according to organisers.

Hyrox, which its creators describe as "the fitness race for everybody", involves completing 8 kilometres of running interspersed with 8 functional workouts, such as sled pushes and burpees. Barcelona is hosting two official competitions this year and aims to become a leading European city for Hyrox, with dozens of specialised gyms now preparing athletes for the race.

Unlike CrossFit, Hyrox does not require gymnastics or weightlifting, making it more accessible to a wider population without years of preparation. However, many professional Hyrox athletes come from backgrounds in athletics, swimming, triathlon, or CrossFit. The discipline, which originated in Germany in 2017, has grown from 3,000 participants in its Spanish debut in 2021 to over 21,000 people from 130 different countries at the Fira de Granvia in L'Hospitalet this year.

"Not requiring great technical skills like gymnastics, for example, removes many barriers and makes it a quite accessible sport. Generally, those who come to try it stay," said Luis Enrique, technical director of the DiR Tusset Hyrox boutique. Martina Longarón, a participant, told El Periódico, "We have been preparing for the Barcelona doubles for five months to surpass ourselves. It is intense because we are finding it hard to find the time and adapt to each other's pace and resistance." She added, "It is fun to connect for this challenge, our 2026 one, and personally, I am finding it hard to combine strength and cardio."

Simplicity and Strategy in Hyrox

Manuela García, one of Spain's top international athletes who has previously competed in the World Championships, told El Periódico that the discipline's simplicity is what makes it appealing. "Everyone can participate because the movements are not especially technical and can be learned easily," she explained. The top 15 athletes in each category form the 'elite 15' group, considered the first division of Hyrox.

"It seems simple, but if you do not manage your energy well, you are dead," Manuela warned. "It is one of the mistakes beginners make, which is why I always recommend not getting carried away by adrenaline and competing smartly." García, who came from CrossFit, discovered Hyrox as a spectator at a competition in Madrid. "It was seeing it and knowing I wanted to do it. It is incredible to be competing at this level today," she said.

Spectator tickets for the Barcelona competition cost €12, while competitor fees range from €80 to €130, depending on whether they participate individually or in a group. The eight exercises in these 'fitness races' include ski erg, weighted sled push and pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmer's carry, sandbag lunges, and wall balls. These exercises are technically straightforward but physically demanding.

The Hyrox Race Format

In competitions, athletes cannot start a workout until the preceding kilometre of running is completed, and they cannot move to the next station until the current one is finished. The goal is to complete all eight kilometres of running and all eight workout stations in the shortest possible time. The specific stations are:

  • 1000 metres Ski Erg: A full-body cardiovascular workout focusing on arms, shoulders, core, and leg support.
  • 50 metres Sled Push: Pushing a heavy sled to test lower body strength and power.
  • 50 metres Sled Pull: Pulling the sled using glutes, biceps, and core for traction and stability.
  • 80 metres Burpee Broad Jumps: Combining burpees and long jumps in an explosive and demanding exercise.
  • 1000 metres Row: High-intensity rowing that activates the entire body and marks the start of the second half of the race.
  • 200 metres Farmer's Carry: Walking while carrying weights to challenge grip, back, and core stability.
  • 100 metres Sandbag Lunges: Performing lunges with a sandbag on the back to work leg strength and endurance.
  • 100 Wall Balls: Finishing by throwing balls at a target while combining squats and explosive power.

The growing popularity of Hyrox suggests continued expansion for the sport in Catalonia and across Europe. Future events are expected to build on Barcelona's success, drawing even more participants and spectators to this unique fitness challenge.