Beijing’s highly anticipated inaugural Hyrox fitness event unfolded at the National Agricultural Exhibition Center on Saturday, attracting fitness enthusiasts from around the globe. The competition showcased an array of categories designed to cater to individual athletes, pairs in doubles, and teams in relay races, with classifications further delineated by gender and age. A notable highlight of the event included a competitive “pro” level that elevated the stakes for elite participants. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
Feeling like your cardio routine has become monotonous? Perhaps you crave an experience beyond the traditional half marathon. Enter the revolutionary Hyrox race, a captivating fusion of endurance running and functional, high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This eight-kilometer challenge is uniquely structured, where each kilometer culminates in a fresh and demanding test of strength and agility. It matches the rigor of a half marathon but offers a more dynamic and engaging format — and it promises a lot more fun.
In stark contrast to typical outdoor road races, the Hyrox Fitness race unfolds entirely indoors, enveloped in an electrifying atmosphere characterized by cheering spectators, pulsating music, and enthusiastic MCs. The event’s finish line is marked not just by timing but by the striking of a ceremonial gong, symbolizing both an achievement and a jubilant celebration of the challenging yet exhilarating journey participants undertake.
Since its inception seven years ago, Hyrox has surged in popularity, evolving into a global phenomenon. The event has been staged across 21 countries and regions, with significant participation from the United States to Singapore. Tens of thousands of competitors have eagerly entered these fitness tests, eager to challenge their limits.
On Saturday, the race made its debut on the Chinese mainland, transforming Beijing’s National Agricultural Exhibition Center into a vibrant arena of athleticism. Nearly 2,000 participants from 38 countries and regions, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany, enthusiastically joined the inaugural event.
More than 1,000 passionate spectators filled the venue, creating an exhilarating atmosphere that blended fitness and festival vibes seamlessly. This spirited ambiance fueled the competitors, pushing them to strive for new personal records.
The Beijing leg of the event featured meticulously tailored categories for individual competitors, doubles, and relays, further segmented by gender and age group. In the doubles section, participants had the opportunity to collaborate on functional workouts, highlighting the importance of teamwork. Conversely, the relay races divided the challenges among four team members, with each runner covering two kilometers and completing two distinct functional workouts.
Wang Yixi, a vibrant 25-year-old biopharmaceutical professional, journeyed from Shanghai to Beijing with friends from her local gym to participate. After competing in the women’s doubles, she eagerly transitioned to the women’s relay competition alongside her teammates.
Drawing on her years of fitness experience and marathon running, Wang expressed her enthusiasm for the doubles competition. “It’s so much fun running with a friend — we can cheer each other on,” she shared with a smile.
During the early stages of the race, when her partner began to tire, Wang instinctively slowed her pace to provide encouragement and support. As they progressed into the second half of the race, Wang suffered from a leg cramp; however, her teammate matched her pace, ensuring that they crossed the finish line together in solidarity. “If I were racing alone, I might have given up, but with a partner, we can push each other to keep going,” Wang remarked.
From the “pro” men group, Xie Yiwei, aged 42, clocked an impressive finish time of one hour, 40 minutes, and four seconds, exemplifying the high level of competition. As a businessman deeply embedded in the fitness industry, Xie has taken on the mantle of an amateur athlete since 2017, competing in a myriad of fitness races nationwide, including adventurous obstacle courses and cycling events.
“This race really tests a range of skills,” Xie noted. “It’s not just about running; there are various physical challenges that require participants to have balanced abilities.”
In the men’s pro doubles category, competitor Moritz Furste brought a deeply personal story to Beijing. Returning to the city for the first time in 16 years, he reflected on his glory moment in 2008 when he captured Olympic gold in men’s field hockey with Germany, a defining chapter of his career rooted in the Chinese capital.
Now at 40, Furste’s return is not solely motivated by competition; he proudly stands as a co-founder of Hyrox. “We created Hyrox to be the fitness competition for everybody,” Furste explained. “We realized something was missing in the world of sports. So many people work out daily, stay fit, and look fantastic. But there was no real race for all of these people out there. So, we created Hyrox.”
Furste underscored the event’s inclusivity: “All our movements are natural — there’s no technical expertise needed. We call them ‘baby-learned movements’, like pulling, pushing, or carrying.”
Drawing from his background as a field hockey star who thrived on teamwork, Furste infused the same collaborative spirit into Hyrox through the introduction of doubles and relay categories.
He envisions Hyrox transcending mere novelty pursuits, establishing itself as a legitimate sport alongside established competitions like the triathlon. “This is a sport where participants compete, then return to their gyms to improve — that’s what you do in sports,” he asserted with conviction.
The momentous event in Beijing marks a significant milestone in Hyrox’s ambitious foray into the Chinese market. Observing the passion and energy of local competitors has only intensified Furste’s belief in the future of fitness racing. “I’m convinced that, in 10 years, fitness racing will be as mainstream as running. We’ll see a global community growing everywhere,” he expressed.
With an eye on the future, Furste has revealed that the Hyrox series will be returning to Beijing next year, with plans to debut in Shanghai, thus continuing its expansion across China.
What aspects of your athletic journey do you believe were most influential in preparing you for the Hyrox event?
And how this Hyrox event resonated with his journey as an athlete.
**Interview with Moritz Furste, Men’s Pro Doubles Competitor:**
**Editor:** Moritz, it’s great to have you here today! Let’s start with your experience at the inaugural Hyrox event in Beijing. How does participating in a fitness challenge like this compare to your Olympic days?
**Moritz Furste:** Thank you! It’s so exhilarating to be back in Beijing after all these years. Competing here reminds me of the adrenaline rush I felt during the Olympics. Although the competition today is different, the energy is similar—there’s a strong sense of camaraderie mixed with the challenge of pushing your limits.
**Editor:** You’ve had an incredible career in field hockey. What drew you to the Hyrox competition?
**Moritz Furste:** Hyrox is unique because it combines various physical challenges—it’s not just about speed but also endurance and strength. I wanted to test myself in a new way, and this competition allowed me to do just that while connecting with other passionate athletes.
**Editor:** You mentioned balanced abilities. Can you elaborate on that? What are some of the key skills needed for success in this event?
**Moritz Furste:** Absolutely! Unlike traditional races, where running is the main focus, Hyrox demands agility, strength, and strategy. You have to be well-rounded to tackle each station effectively—whether it’s sled pushing or wall balls. Every part of the race tests a different aspect of your fitness, which makes it challenging and exciting.
**Editor:** With nearly 2,000 participants from so many countries, how did it feel to compete in such a diverse environment?
**Moritz Furste:** It’s inspiring! Seeing people from different backgrounds, all motivated by the same goal, creates a fantastic atmosphere. It’s also encouraging; you get to learn from others and share experiences. The global fitness community is so supportive, which makes every moment enjoyable.
**Editor:** As someone with a history in highly competitive sports, what advice would you give to newcomers looking to enter this realm of fitness events?
**Moritz Furste:** I would say, don’t be intimidated! Start with the basics and gradually build your skills. Find friends to train with, just as I did, because having a support system makes all the difference. And remember, it’s about the journey and pushing your own limits, rather than comparing yourself to others.
**Editor:** Lastly, any final thoughts on what this event signifies for the fitness community?
**Moritz Furste:** Events like Hyrox represent a shift in how we approach fitness. They break traditional barriers and foster inclusivity. Whether you’re a pro athlete or a beginner, the motivation is the same—community, challenge, and joy in movement. I’m excited for the future of these competitions!
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Moritz. Best of luck with your future fitness endeavors!
**Moritz Furste:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
