Hyrox NYC Was Filled With All Kinds of Athletes

Hyrox NYC Was Filled With All Kinds of Athletes

When Hyrox staged its U.S. coming-out party in New York City earlier this summer, the German fitness race sensation wasn’t hosting a limited field of elite athletes. The estimated 5,300 competitors came in all shapes and sizes, ages, and from a wide range of places. The crowd on Pier 76 exemplified Hyrox’s goal of being an event for the fitness-loving masses.

After my own run at Hyrox glory in the Men’s Open division, I stuck around to talk with as many racers as I could. I was curious to find out more about them and what drove them to take on the challenging course on a dreadfully hot June day. Hyrox is growing fast, according to both the company’s numbers and the double-pronged hype of social media and gym locker room word-of-mouth.

- Advertisement -

So, I asked whoever would talk to me a few questions. Had they run the event before? What part sucked the most? And most importantly, would they ever do it again?

What I found was a diverse group of people who ranged from their twenties to their sixties. Some of them traveled from just one borough away in NYC, while others flew from the opposite ends of the country to take part. All of them were united in their enthusiasm for fitness—and the desire to take another crack at the course as soon as possible. Here’s what they had to say about their Hyrox run.

JC Clough

JC Clough, 32, placed third in the Men’s Open 35-39 age group. This was his fifth Hyrox event, but first out of his hometown, which is Dallas, TX. He was a collegiate athlete in track and field and later did CrossFit for three years. "This was my fifth Hyrox—I was a collegiate athlete [in] track and field. I got out of college and did CrossFit for three years. I’m a small guy. It got to the point where I couldn’t compete in CrossFit Opens. Hyrox is still heavy—it gives me a competitive level to still compete at and still be up at the top with my running background. I coach at a gym in Denver and I got a bunch of people to go to Houston, and now they’re all hooked."

John House

John House, 68, is a 2022 Hyrox World Champion in the 65-69 age group. This was his twelfth Hyrox event. He had an alcohol problem at a much younger age and exercise helped him kick it. He was a runner most of his life, but he had some spinal stenosis issues and would pull and tear muscles easily. He started lifting weights and as time and fate would have it, they came along with hybrid racing. "This is my twelfth Hyrox—I was the World Champion in 2022 in Las Vegas. I had an alcohol problem at a much younger age and exercise helped me kick it. I was a runner most of my life, but I had some spinal stenosis issues [so] I was pulling and tearing muscles easy. I started lifting weights, and as time and fate would have it, they came along with hybrid racing. I’m still able to run and not have to do the longer distances and break it up in little pieces."

Jordyn Taylor & Natasha Stiles

Jordyn Taylor and Natasha Stiles, both 32, are friends who completed their first Hyrox event together. They trained at a gym in Queens and did workouts that simulated all the Hyrox stations every Saturday. "This was our first time doing Hyrox. Around 15 people at our gym (shoutout to Strength City in Queens) decided to sign up and train together. We did workouts that simulated all the Hyrox stations every Saturday, and we each followed a running plan on our own time. Natasha and I have been working out together for three years now, so we know each other’s strengths. I’m so proud of us for finishing strong, especially in 85-degree heat! We’re all hooked—we’ve already joked that training has begun for next year’s NYC race. I’ll be competing again even sooner: I just snagged a spot for Toronto (my hometown) in October!"

Kelly & Mike Camba

Kelly and Mike Camba, both 26, are a couple who completed their third Hyrox event together. They trained at a gym on Long Island and did Hyrox workouts every Sunday. "This was our third Hyrox. The running was the toughest part. I was telling him, ‘Okay, we have to see this [lap marker] again before we go in.’ We trained at Concept Fitness on Long Island. We’ve been going there for over a year now and they do Hyrox every Sunday."

Christian Huacon

Christian Huacon, 32, completed his first Hyrox event. He started training in late February and also does CrossFit. "This was my first one. Honestly, it went amazing. I started training late February, so maybe 16 weeks of practice. I also do CrossFit. I’ve been incorporating a lot of running into my routines—I think the hardest part about the race was running. We were also doing it with a 20-pound vest, so you have to lean a certain way, or your lower back is gonna feel it. A group of us were doing it, because why not? We’ve done the Murph before and we have a sense of what running with a vest feels like. We’re planning to run another one."

Amanda Huyler & Bob Sulpizi

Amanda Huyler and Bob Sulpizi, 32 and 35, respectively, are a couple who completed their first doubles Hyrox event together. Amanda is a coach at a CrossFit gym and "bullied" Bob into doing the event with her. "I’m a coach at a CrossFit gym and I bullied him into doing it with me because I’ve done it before. This is my fourth [Hyrox race], but my first doubles. He thought it was going to be a breeze, but it wasn’t easy!"

Conclusion

Hyrox is more than just a fitness event; it’s a community that brings people together from all walks of life. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, the energy and camaraderie of the event are infectious. For those who participated in the NYC event, it was a day to remember and one that will likely be repeated in the future.

FAQs

Q: What is Hyrox?
A: Hyrox is a hybrid racing event that combines elements of obstacle course racing, running, and strength training.

Q: How many participants did the NYC event have?
A: The estimated 5,300 competitors took part in the NYC event.

Q: Can anyone participate in Hyrox?
A: Yes, Hyrox is open to athletes of all ages and fitness levels.

Q: Is Hyrox a competitive event?
A: Yes, Hyrox is a competitive event with divisions for different age groups and fitness levels.

Q: What kind of training is required for Hyrox?
A: Hyrox requires a combination of cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and obstacle course training.

Q: Are there any upcoming Hyrox events?
A: Yes, Hyrox events are held throughout the year in various locations around the world.