Hyrox: Basically CrossFit for Runners (Or Running for CrossFitters?)

Let’s get one thing straight: Hyrox isn’t just a fitness race. It’s a lifestyle. A cult. A religion that worships at the altar of sled pushes, burpees, and perfecting a SkiErg technique that would make Bonnie Blue proud.

And in our house? Hyrox has become a thing…

It started with my wife, Lucy — deciding she “fancied a challenge.” Which, if you know Lucy, basically translates to: “I want to do something that involves training at 6am, makes me moan about sore legs for the rest of the day, and gives me an excuse to wear a race vest with the back tucked neatly into an unnecessarily tight pair of shorts.”

She’s all in. Like, fully submerged in the Hyrox bandwagon. And to be fair, I’m not even mad about it.

I’m proud. Genuinely. Watching her train her arse off while juggling three kids, a job, a husband who talks too much about FTP, and two retarded dogs — it’s impressive. Most mornings, while I’m nursing a badly brewed cup of tea and creaky legs, she’s halfway through a sled push and weighing out her smoothie ingredients.

But let’s talk about the team-up.

She’s paired up for Hyrox London with Lee — one of my besties and a fellow Sneer. You might remember him: ex-rugby prop, owner of a single dodgy cauliflower ear, and somehow now a marathon runner without losing that meathead energy. He’s got the perfect blend of grunt and gas. Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better guy to do it with her.

She was worried I’d feel left out. Which is sweet… but also hilarious. I’m not daft. I know my role: I’m the show pony cheering from the sidelines, secretly glad I don’t have to do 100 wall balls after 8K of running.

And I’m her biggest fan. I’ve seen the work she puts in — the consistency, the grit, the refusal to skip workouts even when she’s knackered or in a mood (which, to be fair, is often). If she wants to smash it with Lee, I’m all for it.

Now, Hyrox might not be my thing — but here’s the twist: it’s brilliant for triathletes.

Seriously. That combo of aerobic engine, strength endurance, and mental grit crosses over beautifully. It’s not just “functional fitness” — it’s pain tolerance training in disguise. And if you’ve ever tried to run off the back of a long ride on dead legs, you’ll get it.

Since Lucy started training, she’s gotten stronger, faster, and more confident. It’s even got me thinking about entering a Hyrox event myself — just to show her how easy it is…

So yeah, Hyrox is basically CrossFit for runners. Or running for CrossFitters. Or a sadistic lovechild of the two that somehow makes early mornings, sweat puddles, and acid quads feel like a good time.

And at this point, it’s woven into the routine. I might not be shelling out a load of cash to lunge my way through an exhibition centre any time soon, but I’m fully on board — whether that’s missing my key sessions so Lucy can train, or trying not to laugh when she’s hobbling around after leg day.

As much as I appreciate Hyrox for what it is — the fitness, the community, the grind — let’s be honest…

It still isn’t a sport.