Hybrid fitness is having a moment. The rise in events that bring together running (yay!) with strength exercises and cross training elements doesn’t seem to be abating. It’s bringing together runners with those that love the gym to make us all more-rounded athletes, which can only be a good thing.
While HYROX is leading the charge, there are plenty of other hybrid fitness events popping up across the country (and globe) for you to try.
HYROX – the one you’ve heard about
HYROX is undoubtedly the hybrid fitness event of the moment. Tickets for the next London event sold out almost instantly because the format and events are so popular. A HYROX race consists of eight different workout stations, including rowing, ski ergs, burpees, and lunges, each followed by a 1 km run. Participants aim to complete the entire course as quickly as possible, testing both aerobic endurance and strength.
Where? There are currently HYROX events across the UK in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Birmingham. Expect more to pop up as popularity grows.
How much? Prices vary globally but in London, for the HYROX events, tickets to race cost slightly over £100.
How to enter: Competition for tickets is fierce. Find your event via the HYROX site and stand by.
Read: How to train for a HYROX explained by an expert.
Deadly Dozen – the outdoor hybrid fitness race
The Deadly Dozen describes itself as ‘one of the hardest yet most accessible fitness races in the world’. It challenges participants to complete 12 exercise stations known as ‘Labours’, which include farmers’ carry, lunges, burpee broad jumps, goblet squats and bear crawls.
There are three types of Deadly Dozen race: Deadly Run, the main event, which combines 12x 400m track runs with the 12 Labours; Deadly Strong, which takes place in a gym and focusses solely on the 12 Labours, and Deadly ERG races, which involve rowing, skiing, or biking, instead of running. There’s also the option to do it solo, in a pair or as a relay.
Where? There are races across the world with several in the UK including Oxford, London Edinburgh and Macclesfield.
How much? For a solo competitor at a Deadly Dozen track race, it’s £80.
How to enter: Via the race website.
DEKA – hybrid fitness race where you don’t need to run
DEKA is a high-intensity fitness race created by the team behind the Spartan race series. It describes itself as the ‘ultimate test of strength, endurance, and grit’. Participants complete a 10-station fitness course, which includes exercises such as sled pushes, burpees and kettlebell swings. DEKA has several formats, including the DEKA Strong (no running), DEKA Mile (1 mile of running), and DEKA Fit (5k of running).
Where? Worldwide with a UK DEKA Fit event in Derby in September.
How much? An individual ticket is £80.
How to enter: Via the Spartan website.
METRIX – the race that thinks it’s a nightclub
The newest kid on the functional fitness racing block is Metrix which aims to bring exercise together with lights, DJs and general vibes that will make you forget you’re working out and think you’re in a nightclub.
METRIX features five workout stations, each designed to challenge athletes in different aspects of fitness: ski erg, bike erg, burpees, rowing and sled push. You can compete solo or compete in pairs (same-sex male, same-sex female, or mixed) with you and your partner alternating reps. You have 10 or 5 minutes on each station with the challenge being covering as much distance as you can in the time.
Where? London 28 September.
How much? An Early Bird Doubles ticket is £150
How to enter: Early Bird tickets are available now.