Beyond HYROX: Alternative Functional Fitness Events Worth Trying

HYROX has exploded in popularity as one of the most inclusive yet challenging global fitness competitions. With a mix of running and functional workout stations, it’s drawn in elite athletes and everyday gym-goers alike. But what if you want to try something different, or, can’t make it to a major HYROX event (sold out!)?

The rise of Hybrid Races has been one of the biggest shifts in the fitness competition scene over the past few years. These events tend to follow standardised formats and rules, making them consistent, repeatable, and easier to compare across locations. In contrast, traditional CrossFit-style competitions often vary in structure from event to event.

This consistency has helped Hybrid Races grow rapidly, with many events now selling out, such as @theGym HYROX Bristol, which sees 600 competitors. Meanwhile, some long-standing CrossFit comps like Rainhill Trials and Strength in Depth have seen a dip in participation numbers. That said, these events still offer incredible community spirit and remain worth supporting, as they helped pave the way for today’s Hybrid boom. In short, do what you like doing - you may like the variety and a new challenge 🙂

Here’s a look at the top alternatives to major HYROX events, spanning both Hybrid and CrossFit-inspired formats.

Deadly Dozen

A UK-born challenge that lives up to its name, Deadly Dozen is a series of 12 punishing workouts designed to push competitors through strength, endurance, and grit. Expect a brutal mix of carries, lifts, and high-intensity conditioning that leaves no weakness untested.

DEKA

Created by the team behind Spartan, DEKA offers a similar fitness race structure to HYROX but with its own twist. Athletes complete 10 workout zones (called “DEKA Zones”) that test different elements of functional fitness. With shorter run intervals, it’s a great entry point for those looking for high-intensity competition without as much distance running.

ATHX

A fast-growing UK competition, ATHX focuses on strength, conditioning, and endurance in a highly inclusive format. It has team and individual categories, giving both serious competitors and casual gym-goers a chance to experience the thrill of competition.

Turf Games

Known for its community vibe, Turf Games is one of the biggest team-based fitness competitions in the UK. With divisions for beginners through to elite athletes, it’s less about beating the clock and more about working together and having fun while testing your functional capacity.

Metrix

A rising star in the hybrid fitness scene, Metrix blends endurance with functional strength movements in an approachable yet competitive format. It’s a great stepping stone for athletes who want HYROX-style events but with some variation in workout selection and structure.

@theGym HYROX Bristol

Perhaps the next best thing to a full HYROX arena event, @theGym HYROX Bristol is the UK’s largest indoor HYROX simulation. Hosted in a state-of-the-art facility, it brings together hundreds of racers to experience a race-day atmosphere without leaving town. It’s one of the most competitive and exciting ways to test yourself against others and is more family friendly than a HYROX arena event, while still giving you all your race data (timings, splits, etc.) and a proper race.

Battle Cancer

A competition with a cause. Battle Cancer combines functional fitness with fundraising, making it one of the most positive and inspiring events on the circuit. The workouts are tough, but the atmosphere is great. Athletes compete while raising money for cancer charities.

Apex

A UK competition blending conditioning, strength, and endurance. Apex challenges athletes across multiple domains and has a reputation for pushing limits in both individual and team categories. It’s a serious test for anyone looking to measure themselves against some of the fittest athletes around.

Spartan Games

The original hybrid endurance challenge. While more obstacle-race focused, Spartan Games and Spartan Race events combine running, carrying, climbing, and functional strength. Perfect for those who want to take their training outside the gym. Kind of a cross between Tough Mudder and CrossFit.

Nuclear Fit

Born out of Nuclear Races obstacle course events, Nuclear Fit brings functional workouts into the mix. Competitors tackle a combination of endurance and strength stations, often outdoors and in muddy conditions, so it’s as much about grit as it is about fitness.

Rainhill Trials

Rainhill Trials prides itself on giving everyday athletes the chance to compete. With a huge variety of divisions and workouts that balance strength and conditioning, it’s an excellent community-driven alternative to major international CrossFit comps. Despite a dip in numbers, due to the rise of Hybrid events, it remains an iconic competition worth backing.

Bristol Fitness Games (BFG)

Blurring the lines between CrossFit and Hybrid, BFG combines strength, conditioning, and endurance into a team event. It’s known for tough workouts and a competitive but fun atmosphere that attracts athletes from across the the Bristol region.

Superhuman Games

Another event that sits between Hybrid and CrossFit, Superhuman Games is one of Europe’s largest outdoor fitness competitions in the heart of Bristol. Expect long, demanding workouts testing endurance, grit, and mental toughness, which often have unique twists not seen in more standardised races. This is a fun pairs event, which is ideal to go along to as part of a larger group.

HYROX Corby

Smaller-scale HYROX-affiliated events like HYROX Corby are cropping up across the UK. These give competitors the same format and standards as the bigger events, but in a more local and accessible setting - this one being at a race track. They’re ideal for first-timers or for those wanting to practice before stepping up to a major arena.

Final Thoughts

While HYROX continues to dominate the hybrid fitness space, it’s far from the only way to challenge yourself. Whether you prefer the teamwork of Turf Games, the charity focus of Battle Cancer, the festival gritty vibe of Superhuman Games, or supporting your local Hyrox affiliate sim, there’s an event out there to match your goals.

Hybrid competitions are on the rise, but CrossFit-style comps like Rainhill Trials still play a huge role in the fitness community and supporting them ensures this diverse competition scene continues to thrive.

So, if you can’t make the next big HYROX event, don’t sweat it! The world of functional fitness is bigger, broader, and more exciting than ever.

Gym Professor