Thoughts on the Hyrox Snafu

The Hyrox race in Beijing last month caused quite a stir among exercise fanatics—and for all the wrong reasons. 

If you aren’t familiar with Hyrox, it is an indoor fitness competition that combines running and a series of exercise stations. Participants run a kilometer and then push a weighted sled. They then run another kilometer and carry heavy kettlebells; run another kilometer and hop on a rowing machine… Competitors carry on like this for about five miles and through eight different stations. 

The first Hyrox race was held in Germany in 2017. Races now happen in 30 countries and about 1.5 million people are said to take part each year.

What was the uproar? It was a downpour, so to speak. This year, an elite competitor continued through the course after she suffered bowel incontinence somewhere along the way. 

When I heard the news, my initial thought was, “What dedication!”

My next thought: What about everybody else in the race, who, like that stalwart athlete, hurled themselves through burpees across the same floor and tossed the same medicine balls against the wall? Did they have access to wipes? Did anyone break out a mop and disinfectant on the course? 

Debate about the situation spread quickly across social media—to no one’s surprise—and the conversations were heated.

The race organizers have since said they didn’t respond appropriately onsite and they are putting clearer rules and protocols in place to keep competitors safe in future competitions. 

My latest thought: What an opportunity for some high-profile sports marketing collaborations (hello Purell, Ecolab, Dial)! Or, maybe Hyrox wants to create their own brand of hand soap? 

I know exactly where they can get started: this issue of Happi! 

Our annual contract manufacturing and private label directory begins on p. 48. There you’ll find companies that make soap, hand sanitizer and cleaning products as well as skin care, hair care and cosmetics. These firms have the capabilities to take your idea from the back of the envelope to the front gondola display.

Christine Esposito
Editor-in-Chief

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