Entering a Hyrox means choosing a division, and the choice changes the race far more than most first timers expect. Here is what each one is.
Open
The standard individual race and the right choice for almost every first timer. Full distance, all eight stations, the lighter of the two individual load sets. The overwhelming majority of the field races Open.
Pro
Same distance, same stations, heavier loads. The step up is significant: the sled push goes from 152kg to 202kg for men and from 102kg to 152kg for women. Wall balls go up in both weight and target height.
Pro also requires a qualifying standard at some events. It is not a prestige tier to enter casually, it is a materially harder race, and the heavier sleds change your pacing for the whole event rather than just those two stations.
Doubles
Two people, one race. You both run all 8km together, and you split the work at each station however you like. The loads match the equivalent individual division.
Doubles is genuinely the most fun way to do a first Hyrox, and the most tactical. Splitting wall balls 50-50 sounds obvious until one of you is much stronger overhead and the other is better on the sled.
Relay
Four people. Each takes two runs and two stations. Much shorter individually, and by far the most accessible entry point if you are not sure you can complete a full race yet.
It is also the format most gyms use for a first team outing, because you can put a mixed-ability group together and everyone gets a proper race.
Which should you enter?
-
Never raced before, reasonably fit: Open.
-
Never raced before, unsure about the sled: Doubles or Relay.
-
Raced Open, finished strong, sled felt manageable: consider Pro.
-
Want a day out with your gym: Relay.
A useful self-test for Pro: can you complete the Pro sled push in under two minutes when fresh? If not, race Open and enjoy it more.
Does the division change the format?
No. Eight runs, eight stations, same order, every division. Only the loads and the way the work is shared change.
Frequently asked
Can I switch division after entering? Sometimes, depending on the event and how close it is. Check with the organisers early.
Are Doubles times comparable to individual? No, they are ranked separately.
Is Relay taken less seriously? Not by anyone who has run one hard. The individual segments are short, so they are run fast.
Racing soon? Our compression tights for Hyrox use 15-20 mmHg graduated compression in a 225 GSM knit built to hold shape through sled and sandbag work, and our compression race socks run at 25-30 mmHg. Free UK delivery over £50.
Hyrox Divisions Explained: Open, Pro, Doubles and Relay
Entering a Hyrox means choosing a division, and the choice changes the race far more than most first timers expect. Here is what each one is.
Open
The standard individual race and the right choice for almost every first timer. Full distance, all eight stations, the lighter of the two individual load sets. The overwhelming majority of the field races Open.
Pro
Same distance, same stations, heavier loads. The step up is significant: the sled push goes from 152kg to 202kg for men and from 102kg to 152kg for women. Wall balls go up in both weight and target height.
Pro also requires a qualifying standard at some events. It is not a prestige tier to enter casually, it is a materially harder race, and the heavier sleds change your pacing for the whole event rather than just those two stations.
Doubles
Two people, one race. You both run all 8km together, and you split the work at each station however you like. The loads match the equivalent individual division.
Doubles is genuinely the most fun way to do a first Hyrox, and the most tactical. Splitting wall balls 50-50 sounds obvious until one of you is much stronger overhead and the other is better on the sled.
Relay
Four people. Each takes two runs and two stations. Much shorter individually, and by far the most accessible entry point if you are not sure you can complete a full race yet.
It is also the format most gyms use for a first team outing, because you can put a mixed-ability group together and everyone gets a proper race.
Which should you enter?
A useful self-test for Pro: can you complete the Pro sled push in under two minutes when fresh? If not, race Open and enjoy it more.
Does the division change the format?
No. Eight runs, eight stations, same order, every division. Only the loads and the way the work is shared change.
Frequently asked
Can I switch division after entering? Sometimes, depending on the event and how close it is. Check with the organisers early.
Are Doubles times comparable to individual? No, they are ranked separately.
Is Relay taken less seriously? Not by anyone who has run one hard. The individual segments are short, so they are run fast.
Racing soon? Our compression tights for Hyrox use 15-20 mmHg graduated compression in a 225 GSM knit built to hold shape through sled and sandbag work, and our compression race socks run at 25-30 mmHg. Free UK delivery over £50.