HYROX Competition Categories Explained | Differences in Open, Pro, Doubles, Relay & Weights [2025 Edition]
HYROX is a fitness race gaining popularity worldwide. It combines a 1km run with functional training (8 workouts), and its appeal lies in the fact that everyone from beginners to top athletes runs the same course. In this article, we clearly explain the differences between each category (division), weight/rule variations, and how to choose the right division before you enter a competition!
1. Basic HYROX Rules
A HYROX competition consists of a race format where you complete 8 sets of 1km runs and 8 workout stations in order.
1km Run → SkiErg → 1km Run → Sled Push → 1km Run → Sled Pull → 1km Run → Burpee Broad Jumps → 1km Run → Rowing → 1km Run → Farmers Carry → 1km Run → Sandbag Lunges → 1km Run → Wall Balls
This flow is common to all categories. The differences lie in the "Weights/Loads" and "Participation Format (Individual, Pair, Team)".
2. Open Category
Open is the division with the most participants in HYROX. It is highly recommended for beginners to intermediates.
| Workout | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Sled Push | 152 kg | 102 kg |
| Sled Pull | 103 kg | 78 kg |
| Farmers Carry | 24 kg × 2 | 16 kg × 2 |
| Sandbag Lunges | 20 kg | 10 kg |
| Wall Balls | 6 kg (Height 9 ft) | 4 kg (Height 9 ft) |
- Complete 8 workouts + 8km run all by yourself.
- Classes separated by gender and age (25–29, 30–34, etc.).
- High completion rate, perfect for a first race.
Recommended for: People experiencing HYROX for the first time, and intermediates who train regularly at the gym.
3. Pro Category
The content is the same as Open, but the weights are heavier, making this a division for athletes. Top competitors from this division may proceed to the World Championships.
| Workout | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Sled Push | 202 kg | 152 kg |
| Sled Pull | 153 kg | 103 kg |
| Farmers Carry | 32 kg × 2 | 24 kg × 2 |
| Sandbag Lunges | 30 kg | 20 kg |
| Wall Balls | 9 kg (Height 10 ft) | 6 kg (Height 9 ft) |
- Upper division leading to World Championships and Elite 15.
- No special qualification required to enter (anyone can sign up).
- High intensity; top athletes finish in the 60-minute range.
Recommended for: Advanced individuals who perform high-intensity training regularly, and competitive athletes.
4. Doubles Category
A division where you participate in pairs. You run the 1km laps together, but split the workouts between the two of you. (Per person: 8km run + share the workout load freely).
| Doubles Division | Men | Women | Mixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Settings | Same as Open | Same as Open | See below |
Basically the same as Men's OPEN (difficulty: weights etc.). For Wall Balls, the weight is 6kg and target heights are gender-specific. See details here.
- You can split the work however you like (e.g., A does Sled Push, B does Lunges).
- Same-sex pairs and Mixed pairs are both possible.
- Pro Doubles is also available (weights are the same as Pro).
Recommended for: People who want to participate with friends or partners. Easier to join than Open.
5. Relay Category
A division for teams of 4. Each person is responsible for a 2km run + 2 workouts, clearing the 8 sets as a team.
| Relay | Mixed (Men/Women) OK |
|---|---|
| Weight Settings | Same as Open |
- Since it's a team effort, it's easy for beginners to participate.
- Popular for participating with friends and gym mates.
- Team strategy can significantly change the finishing time.
Recommended for: HYROX beginners, people who enjoy team sports.
6. Age Groups
Individual and Doubles divisions have age-specific classes, allowing for fair competition.
- 16–24 years old
- 25–29 years old
- 30–34 years old
- 35–39 years old
- 40–44 years old
- 45–49 years old
- 50–54 years old
- ...and so on.
The Pro division also has age-group results, and you may be eligible for awards within each age bracket.
7. Special Division: Elite 15
"Elite 15" is a special division where only the top 15 athletes in the world can compete. It is the highlight race of the HYROX World Championship, targeting athletes with top times in the Pro division.
- By invitation only.
- Managed by rankings from competitions around the world.
- High competitiveness and media exposure.
Summary
The appeal of HYROX is that everyone from beginners to top athletes can compete on the same course. It is a fitness race that anyone can participate in, with only weights and formats changing depending on the division.
- Open: For first-timers / Standard load
- Pro: Competitive / High load
- Doubles: Fun with a pair
- Relay: Casual team participation
- Elite 15: Top Athletes
Choose the category that suits your level and goals, and enjoy the HYROX race!
Thank you for reading to the end!
*The competition information on this site regarding HYROX has been independently researched and compiled. Please strictly check the official website for accurate information.