5 fitness competitions to rival Hyrox

By now, you’ve probably heard the rumblings about global fitness competition, Hyrox : the gruelling race that sees participants battle eight 1km runs and just as many challenging workout stations. 

After launching in Germany back in 2017, it quickly became the world’s largest mass participation fitness event (Hong Kong hosted Asia’s very first Hyrox back in November 2022 as part of the Fitness + Wellness Expo). In 2023 alone more than 90,000 competitors chose to push their bodies to the limit in this punishing – yet seemingly addictive – full-body workout race. But once you’ve completed the challenge, what’s next? 

Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or simply looking for something else to talk about with your Hyrox-obsessed friends, we’ve got a list of alternative fitness competitions we think you’ll love. 

Spartan 

If using gym machines isn’t really your thing, why not try your hand at the Spartan race ? By no means a newcomer to the fitness world, this competition – said to be the world’s leading obstacle race – has been around since 2010. Today, there are 13 different workouts you can take on, ranging from the three-mile, 20 obstacle-long Sprint to a 70-hour mental and physical battle known as the Death Race . What does it involve? Only the competitors know, as the details of this brutal event are kept firmly under lock and key. 

Though the races vary in difficulty, the idea remains the same: competitors must run, climb and leap over physical obstacles in order to make it to the finish line. The founder of the race, Joe De Santos, designed the training and race events to “help everyone develop the physical and mental strength to take on all of life’s challenges with an unbreakable spirit”. 

Spartan is a global competition, with 124 races taking place across the world in 2024. 

Turf Games 

Founded in London by a group of the city’s fittest, the Turf Games are an epic, all-day event in which teams compete against each other in a series of functional fitness movements. Born out of a desire to get outside of the gym and work out in a more social setting, the games prides itself on being accessible to everyone – with entry, intermediate and elite athlete divisions to choose from.  

Fancy yourself a fitness pro? Battle it out with the elite in exercises such as rope climbs, strict pull ups and toes to bar (TTB). Or if you’re looking for something a little more accessible, row, bike, ski and run along with friends in the everyday division. 

The Turf Games are a global competition, with events in Sydney, London, and Los Angeles in 2024. 

Tribal Clash 

Gym workouts leave much to be desired by way of aesthetic. So why not upgrade to a stunning beachside location? Tribal Clash was born on the shores of Blackpool Sands beach in Devon back in 2013 and has since been held in countries such as Australia and Portugal. 

Rather than the usual rowing machines and barbells you’re used to seeing at fitness competitions, this event involves fitness in its rawest form: swimming, climbing, lifting, hauling and pulling objects such as tyres, logs, beams and more. In previous years, competitors have been known to camp on the beach and enjoy DJ sets from renowned artists. Teams – or tribes – of six (three men, three women) are invited to enter this two-day festival-like event. 

Tribal Clash is returning to its roots in 2024, with just one competition taking place on Blackpool Sands beach, Devon, from 31 August to 1 September. 

Tough Mudder 

Founded in 2010 by the creators of Spartan, Tough Mudder is a challenging obstacle course designed to push you to your limits – both physically and mentally. Oh, and one more catch: to make it through the mud, ice and 10,000 volts of electricity, you’ll need the help of your team. 

As tough as it may sound, this competition is still one of the most fun global obstacle races you’ll find. Choose from 5km, 10km or 15km-long races and face fearsome obstacles such as the Arctic Enema (an ice pit you must wade through), Mudderhorn (a 40ft-high net you’ll need to conquer), and Electroshock Therapy (there’s nothing like 10,000 volts shooting through your body to get you moving). 

For those looking to really challenge themselves, look to the endurance series : Tough Mudder Infinity, Toughest Mudder and World’s Toughest Mudder, which take place over 8, 12 and 24 hours, respectively. 

Tough Mudder is a global event taking place in 11 countries around the world. You can find your nearest event by searching online. 

CrossFit Games 

No roundup of fitness competitions would be complete without mentioning the CrossFit Games , the event that sees some of the world’s fittest snatch, thrust and TTB their way to glory. It isn’t just for elite athletes, though. In fact, the CrossFit Games season starts with the Open : a qualifying round that everyone is invited to join – no matter your fitness level.  

Think you’ve got what it takes? Competitors must complete three workouts over three weeks at their local CrossFit gym, then submit their score to the online leaderboard. This community-focused competition (which debuted in 2011) brings people together to achieve something that may not be possible if they were working out alone.  

The CrossFit Open games is a virtual competition taking place between 29 Feb and 18 March in 2024. The CrossFit Games will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, from 8-11 August.