After struggling to buy tickets to a HYROX event in Melbourne, Grant Straker decided to bring his own version of the event to Wānaka in November. HYROX is a mass participation fitness race that sees competitors complete eight sets of functional workouts — like burpees or a sled push — punctuated by eight, 1km runs. HYROX events are standardised globally, meaning performances by competitors in Timaru or Timbuktu can be compared directly. The events have grown significantly since they were founded in Germany in 2017 with the event’s website saying there are events in 30 cities in 11 different countries, with over 90,000 people taking part in a HYROX event in the 2022/23 season. But supply is struggling to meet demand, meaning events regularly sell out. Straker, who has competed in HYROX events in Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney, said when he and his sons had tried and failed to get tickets to HYROX’s Melbourne event, it was time to take matters into his own hands. “I thought, why don’t we create our own event then it would be a good buildup to the Auckland event,” he said. Straker, previously a tech entrepreneur, said fitness races were accessible because the exercises were not particularly technical. “Fitness racing hits the sweet spot for lots of people, especially in Wānaka with the outdoor activity, lifestyle. “Its really accessible but it is hard.” His fitness race includes eight 1km runs and eight fitness stations, and the race can be completed as individuals, in pairs, or in four person teams. “If you do it solo it’s a hard day at the office but as a team it’s quite an enjoyable day, from my experience,” he said. The Wānaka Fitness Race website says the event does not count towards official rankings or qualifications. “Open weights, seven age grades and a full adaptive division, everyone finishes,” it said. Straker said he hoped a successful first edition could see the events held regularly in the community. “Then we could run regular fitness race events or a junior event. “If we do the events around the shoulder season of the really busy periods, its great for tourism as well,” he said. Organisers had great support from the Queenstown Lakes District Council events team. “They said this will be the biggest event they’ve held at Paetara since it opened,” he said. The fitness race is to be held at the Paetara Aspiring Central on November 28 and 29 for athletes aged 15 plus. Athletes interested in the event can now pre-register before tickets are released next Friday. The event is capped at 300 people per day. evie.sinclair@alliedmedia.co.nz
