HYROX’s Cape Town debut drew athletes and spectators from across South Africa and beyond in a record-breaking event.
The event, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), was the first of its kind in South Africa, marking a significant milestone for fitness culture in the region.
HYROX is an adrenaline-fuelled event that combines functional fitness and endurance, as participants run 1km, followed by one functional workout station, repeated eight times.
Participants can compete solo in the HYROX Open or Pro category, share the load with a partner in the HYROX Doubles or Doubles Pro division, or grab three friends and take on the HYROX Relay.
The HYROX hype is real
The event saw 1,483 athletes compete, with participants ranging from elite competitors to fitness enthusiasts and first-timers, with over 2,000 spectators visiting the CTICC to get a taste of HYROX. The Cape Town race exceeded expectations, breaking previous attendance records for a first-time HYROX event.
The event was also successful on social media, with high engagement by participants and followers of the sport. The official @hyroxsa account on Instagram grew its followers by +69.4% during the month leading up to the event.
HYROX South Africa and Sportograf
Pushing athletes to their limits
The competition featured HYROX’s signature mix of functional fitness challenges, including running, rowing, and endurance strength-based exercises, pushing athletes to their limits. Event participants were 89% South African residents, with the balance travelling from around the world, the most coming from Europe and the UAE.
HYROX Cape Town saw a near-perfect split between males and females. It had a 99% completion rate with women having a better completion rate than men.
HYROX Doubles and Relays accounted for 59% of all competitors, showing that participants enjoyed sharing the experience with friends and family.
HYROX South Africa and Sportograf
Rising fitness stars
Top-tier athletes from around the world, including South Africa’s own rising fitness stars, delivered stunning performances.
Jake Dearden (@jakedearden_) from the UK clinched first place in the Men’s Individual Pro category, finishing with a time of 56 minutes 53 seconds, which qualified him for the Elite 15 HYROX Major event in Amsterdam, held on 10 October 2024.
Capetonian Vicky MacIntosh (@vixfit_____) took the Women’s Individual Pro title with an equally impressive time of 1 hour 5 minutes and 33 seconds, edging out many experienced overseas athletes.
HYROX Cape Town results:
- Pro Men: Jake Dearden | 0:56:53
- Pro Women: Vicky MacIntosh | 1:05:33
- Pro Doubles Men: Estian Ferreira & Daniel Griesel | 0:58:28
- Pro Doubles Women: Danielle Jordaan & Lucinda Bosch | 1:13:31
- Doubles Men: Joe Greenslade-Cross & Chris Moulin-Jones | 0:54:29
- Doubles Women: Selina Eichelbroenner & Christy Nell | 1:06:42
- Doubles Mixed: George Crewe & Danielle Crewe | 0:57:57
- Team Relay Men: Mathew Mbambo, Ryan Evans, Ulrich Van Zyl, Gerhard Bezuidenhout | 1:02:26
- Team Relay Women: Yael Finkel, Ashton Finkel, Reegan Finkel, Brady Finkel | 1:13:45
- Team Relay Mixed: Joe Greenslade-Cross, Imke Salander, Holly Archer, Chris Moulam-Jones | 0:56:23
There are already over 1500 gyms already affiliated globally, with 70 located in major centres across South Africa. Visit hyroxsa.com to find the gym closest to you to start your HYROX journey or follow @hyroxsa on Instagram for regular updates and info.
HYROX South Africa and Sportograf
Iconic location for inaugural event
The success of HYROX Cape Town not only boosted the local fitness community but also created an influx of sports tourism, with international visitors enjoying the city’s iconic sights and hospitality. HYROX continues its global fitness journey, with Cape Town standing out as a key destination in its expanding international circuit.
“Cape Town has been an incredible host, and the energy here was unmatched. We’re excited about the future of HYROX in Africa and can’t wait to return with even bigger events”, stated Simon Goldsbrough, head of sports at HYROX South Africa.
This has further solidified Cape Town’s position as a premier destination for global sporting events, and sent a message to the corporate community, positioning HYROX as a marquee event that sponsors should align with.
The sponsorship community received unprecedented value through interactive booths and product showcases from leading brands including Puma, Red Bull, Concept2, CENTR, Botthms, Myprotein, Dis-Chem Living Fit, Southern Sun, Mark Seuring Physiotherapy, F45, Ollie Health, SUPERnatural+, and MINI.
Myprotein available at Dis-Chem
A wide range of high-quality, innovative Myprotein products are now available locally through an exclusive partnership with Dis-Chem Pharmacies.
Since its inception, Myprotein has rapidly gained international recognition for its commitment to delivering premium sports nutrition products at accessible prices. With a strong presence in numerous countries worldwide, the brand has established itself as a trusted choice for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and health-conscious individuals alike.
Dis-Chem customers can now access MyProtein’s extensive product range, including the popular Pro x HYROX series, designed specifically for high-intensity workouts. From Performance Protein and Electrofuel to Pre-Workout and Energy Gel, athletes can optimise their performance and recovery.
PUMA unveils HYROX performance range
As the official global partner for HYROX, PUMA introduced the PUMA x HYROX collection to the local market at the Cape Town event.
Engineered for the ultimate combination of comfort and race performance, the range caters to the dynamic movements performed during one of the most well-rounded tests of fitness on earth. The apparel range utilises PUMA’s innovative CLOUDSPUN technology that features dryCELL moisture-wicking properties with 4-way stretch.
The CLOUDSPUN custom-milled performance poly/spandex blend delivers a cotton-like softness while meeting high-performance standards. Its unique technology moves with the body, ensuring a near-custom fit for unrestricted movement.
Innovative partnerships
“We could not have done this without our partners. The strength of our partnerships lies in the ability to innovate and evolve together. They are equally committed to elevating the fitness culture throughout Africa, and we’re looking forward to what the future brings,” added Goldsbrough.
Following the overwhelming success of the Cape Town event, HYROX has announced plans for further expansion into Africa, with the next event taking place in Johannesburg on 1 March 2025, followed by Durban and other nations throughout the continent.
Try HYROX for yourself
The network of Official HYROX Partner Gyms has seen exponential growth since the launch of HYROX back in 2018. HYROX Partner Gyms are the only gyms that can host HYROX classes, training and specific programming, and offer expert advice from Certified HYROX Trainers.
Training at these affiliated gyms will take your HYROX performance to the next level while you immerse yourself in the rapidly growing HYROX community, who share your passion, drive and motivation.
There are already over 1500 gyms already affiliated globally, with 70 located in major centres across South Africa. Visit hyroxsa.com to find the gym closest to you to start your HYROX journey or follow @hyroxsa on Instagram for regular updates and info.
