What is HYROX?
HYROX is a dynamic fitness competition that combines running with functional workouts, presenting a unique challenge for athletes at all levels. Established in 2017 in Germany by Christian Toetzke, a sports event expert, and Moritz Fürste, a double Olympic field hockey champion, HYROX was created to offer a race format accessible to both elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Its standardized structure allows participants to compare their results globally, making it a truly international competition. The event is typically held indoors, in large exhibition halls or sports arenas, and features multiple categories: Individual (Pro and Open), Doubles, and Relay.
Race structure
The core concept of HYROX lies in the combination of strength and endurance, with athletes performing a series of functional workouts while running long distances. The race consists of 8 kilometers of running, combined with 8 functional workouts. The sequence is always the same: 1 km of running followed by: SkiErg, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls. This setup pushes competitors not only to maintain speed but also to excel in exercises demanding power, stamina, and technique. While HYROX is fundamentally an endurance race, success hinges on more than just running. The functional exercises at each station require a blend of strength, mobility, and coordination. Unlike traditional races focused solely on running or strength competitions that prioritize power, this format tests athletes across a wide spectrum of physical capabilities. This comprehensive approach makes HYROX a true test of overall fitness, pushing athletes to perform at their best across every aspect of their physical abilities.
The Role of Puma
Puma has played a key role in the development and expansion of this new race format, becoming the official apparel and footwear partner for all events from 2024 to 2027. This partnership has solidified Puma’s presence in the growing fitness sector, launching the Puma x HYROX collection in January 2025, which includes performance-driven gear designed for both training and competition. By aligning with HYROX, Puma entered a rapidly developing market, tapping into a global community of fitness enthusiasts. This early partnership allowed the brand to expand its reach and position itself as a leader in the emerging fitness racing industry. Though it was a bold risk to enter such a niche market, Puma’s decision has paid off, as the brand is now recognized as the top player in the HYROX space. This symbiotic relationship not only boosts Puma’s visibility but also supports HYROX’s mission to equip athletes with the best tools for performance, highlighting how strategic risk-taking in evolving industries can lead to significant long-term rewards.
Unique Insights from Filippo Tenca
To gain deeper insight into this world, I spoke with Filippo Tenca, a well-known face in the Italian HYROX scene and a brand partner of Puma. Filippo holds a personal best of 1:01:01 in the Hyrox Doubles category, achieved alongside Gioele Patroni at the Milan event in 2024. He also clocked an impressive 54:04 in the Team Relay at RiminiWellness 2024, competing with Guido Susani, Gioele Patroni, and Dylan Caruso. To learn more about his journey and passion for the sport, I asked Filippo to take us back to the beginning.
How did you first get into the world of Hyrox, and what initially drew you to a competition that was still relatively unknown in Italy at the time?
“It’s actually quite a funny story,” Filippo begins. “It all started completely by accident. I got home from a night out around 5 a.m.—which is rare for me, since I’m not really into clubbing. Just a few hours later, around 8 a.m., my phone started ringing nonstop. This was back in 2023, right at the beginning of HYROX in Italy. My friends were competing in the HYROX relay in Milan that morning, but one of the team members got sick, so they called me to step in. I showed up with barely any sleep, no specific training, and figured out how the race worked as I went along. My debut was anything but planned, but after that first race, I was hooked.”
Which do you think has a greater impact on overall race performance: the running or the exercise stations?
“Many people think it’s 50-50 between running and the exercise stations, but in reality, running has the biggest impact. While the stations test strength and technique, running requires both physical and mental endurance. If you’re not prepared for the intensity, it can drain you and affect your performance at the stations. In my experience, mastering the run makes the rest of the race much more manageable.”
From your experience, what are the key aspects of effective Hyrox training?
“As I mentioned earlier, running requires special attention. When it comes to the exercise stations, I prefer to focus on mastering one movement at a time. I’m not a fan of mixed circuits where everything is thrown together, leaving you drained without properly refining your technique. Building a solid foundation in each movement is essential for overall performance, and it’s equally important to repeatedly practice each exercise to get faster and more efficient.”
What advice would you give to someone who’s just getting into Hyrox for the first time?
“That’s a great question, my biggest piece of advice would be to focus on running. The exercises can be learned and perfected over time, but running is the foundation of the race. It’s what ties the whole race together and often determines your overall performance. People tend to underestimate it, but in HYROX, running is what makes or breaks your race.”
by Ludovica Di Labio
BOCCONI STUDENTS FOR SPORT MANAGEMENT 
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