What Is HYROX? Inside the Global Fitness Craze Backed by PUMA

• HYROX is a rapidly growing international fitness running contest that targets over 175,000 athletes annually with standardised contests across approximately 65 cities around the globe.
• PUMA, a sportswear giant, has formed a partnership with HYROX for manufacturing a dedicated training wear and sports shoe collection to work in tandem with the soaring popularity of the sport.

HYROX is becoming the benchmark in endurance, and its enthusiasts are fast-growing worldwide. This action-packed arena is now out to beat CrossFit for high-energy sports while creating a durable tie between the global fitness communities.

From its roots in Germany to a worldwide spread, HYROX is now catching the attention of proprietary brands that are fuelling the excitement. PUMA recently launched a line of HYROX exercise gear coupled with footwear, furthering its reach in the functional fitness market.

So what’s all the fuss about? Let’s take it apart.

What is HYROX?

At first glance, HYROX appears intense, but it was designed with accessibility in mind. Consider it a combination of endurance and functional aerobic workouts. The courses are always the same: eight 1-kilometre runs with stations requiring functional work. Sledge pushes, rowing, sandbag lunges and burpee broad jumps can all make you sweat. It’s tough—but strangely seductive!

How is it different from CrossFit? For starters, Olympic lifts and gymnastics are not necessary. The workouts are challenging but simple. Furthermore, the same event is held around the world, ensuring that everyone participates on an even playing field.

Standardisation allows participants to reliably monitor their progress. The challenge is consistent, whether in London or New York.

From an Event to a Global Fitness Movement.

HYROX debuted in 2018 in Hamburg with 650 participants. This sport exploded in popularity over time. In the 2023-2024 season, there were 175,000 athletes in 65 tournaments throughout the world.

Growth is likely to continue. By 2025, HYROX plans to welcome over 550,000 competitors in over 80 races throughout the world, including London, Amsterdam, Sydney, and Chicago. The event costs £52-£109, which is comparable to activities such as marathons or CrossFit, albeit additional costs apply.

HYROX is creating the future of exercise culture.

Running Behind a New Brand.

In June 2024, PUMA announced a global three-year deal with HYROX as the official apparel and footwear sponsor.

PUMA produced a unique PUMA x HYROX line, which gained popularity in the fitness sector. It features crucial components such as the Cloudspun Hoodie, Mid Impact Bra, and 2-in-1 Training Shorts, all designed for hard HYROX races.

PUMA’s footwear excels in races, including the Deviate NITRO™ 3, Velocity NITRO™ 3, and Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3, which improve lightness, stability, and versatility. These lightweight shoes increase speed during races, training runs, and gym sessions.

The clothing includes sophisticated textiles such as CLOUDSPUN (soft and stretchy) and THERMOADAPT, which keeps you cool throughout strenuous exercise. Clothing prices range from £30 to £90, while shoes begin at £100, providing excellent value for the performance quality.

Why HYROX Is Becoming Popular

HYROX is often regarded as the “fitness marathon” for a good reason. It is highly structured – largely thanks to the fact that most athletes are seeking that structure combined with the fun of competition and motivation from a shared experience. Unlike CrossFit, where the programming varies widely from gym to gym, HYROX delivers consistency – the same race that everyone can do no matter where they are.

There is an option of entry levels too. Simply out of shape? Enter the Open division. Want more of a challenge? Proceed to Pro. Keen on teaming up? Get a pal for the doubles or put the gang together for the relay. This is where everyone just needs to find their pace, run a little faster, and have an altogether good time.

More than being a race, HYROX has turned into a lifestyle where people are training all year long, posting results online, and attending group workouts, the process maintaining a sense of community around HYROX-certified gyms.

HYROX: Is This the Movement to Last?

HYROX has established itself as one of the world’s top fitness events, thanks to a huge international fan base, major sponsors such as PUMA and Red Bull, and a gruelling yet inclusive competition.

HYROX is carving out a distinct niche for the typical gym-goer, seasoned lifter, and anybody in between who wants to push their limits. It complements rather than competes with CrossFit, providing a unique challenge.

Looking for something new this year? Lace up your shoes and try HYROX. It could provide the boost your fitness program needs.