HYROX : The rise of hybrid athletes

HYROX is a new hybrid sport that combines eight 1-km runs alternated with functional exercises: SkiErg, sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmer's carry, sandbag lunges, and wall balls. This study aims to analyze: (i) the individual performances of men and women at the 2023 HYROX World Championships, and (ii) the age-related changes in performance. The best average performances were recorded in athletes aged 30 to 34 years, with men completing the event in 1h04min ± 2min and women in 1h09min ± 2min. On average, men and women HYROX athletes spent 50.7 ± 2.0% and 51.1 ± 2.1% of their total time running, 44.2 ± 2.0% and 43.7 ± 2.0% on functional exercises, and 5.1 ± 0.7% and 5.2 ± 1.0% in the transition area, respectively. Athletes aged 55-59 showed a significant decline in overall performance (men: -29.5%; women: -30.7%), running performance (men: -24.0%; women: -28.1%), and functional exercise performance (men: -34.6%; women: -34.0%) compared to those aged 30-34. The impact of age varied depending on the functional exercise: SkiErg and rowing exhibited the smallest decline, while wall balls showed the greatest decline. The disparity between running performance and functional exercise performance requires further investigation. After age 40, athletes should prioritize strength training over running training.