Hyrox Competition Invites Athletes to Arizona for First North American Stadium Race

Recently, State Farm Stadium in Glendale became the center of attention as tens of thousands of athletes and spectators gathered for a four-day Hyrox competition. This marks the first time this global fitness phenomenon has brought its exciting stadium race to North America.

This indoor hybrid fitness competition challenges participants with a combination of 8 kilometers of running interspersed with eight strength stations, offering what many elite athletes deem the ultimate test of functional fitness.

“It’s an indoor, hybrid fitness competition that consists of a total of 8K running and eight strength stations,” explained Paul Kaup, an elite athlete from Arizona and a former world record holder, who also served as a judge for the event.

To get a feel for the rigorous challenges, I joined Kaup as he guided me through the eight demanding stations. Our journey began with the ski-erg machine, followed by a 220-pound sled push and pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmer’s carries, lunges, and concluded with 100 wall balls.

“I’m already feeling exhausted. You’re telling me I have seven more stations to go?” I admitted to Kaup after just the first exercise.

The competition attracts individuals at various fitness levels, from elite athletes to casual fitness enthusiasts looking to push their limits.

“Even someone with moderate training can participate in a Hyrox event. It may take them two hours, but it establishes a benchmark they can aim for,” Kaup shared.

During the competition, Kaup is set to compete in five different categories, with his wife and children cheering him on. For him, Hyrox transcends competition; it’s about fostering a commitment to lifelong functional fitness.

“It’s the best way to maintain a healthy body throughout your life. If you fall, you can pick yourself up. You can actively engage with your grandkids. It’s a testament to your strength when you achieve both fitness and cardiovascular endurance,” Kaup remarked.

The former world record holder discovered Hyrox after becoming disenchanted with traditional fitness regimens that no longer fueled his competitive spirit.

“I’ve always been active, lifting weights and running, but I was seeking a more engaging challenge—something like hybrid fitness,” Kaup noted. “Once I trained and completed my first race, I was hooked.”

According to Kaup, Arizona’s year-round favorable climate is a significant asset for those training for Hyrox.

“One of the appealing aspects of Phoenix is that we can train outside throughout the year. We can run and engage in fitness routines whenever we want,” he said.

For those considering their first Hyrox experience, Kaup offers three valuable pieces of advice: “Don’t rush into it unprepared. Pace yourself, and avoid going all out right from the start.”

The event officially kicks off on Thursday with elite athletes from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Germany, and Denmark competing in the initial rounds. Approximately 15,000 individuals have signed up to participate, highlighting the economic impact this event brings to the West Valley.

Elite participants are vying for their Elite 15 status ahead of the World Championships slated for Stockholm later this year.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been adapted for this platform with AI assistance. Our editorial team ensures that all reporting across all platforms maintains fairness and accuracy.