HYROX, the globally renowned fitness race, made a powerful impact in Johannesburg, delivering a high-energy, record-breaking event that drew athletes and spectators from across South Africa and beyond. Held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre on 1 March 2025, this was the second HYROX event in South Africa, following the highly successful debut in Cape Town last September. The event marks an exciting expansion for the sport in the region, further energizing South Africa’s growing fitness community.
HYROX Johannesburg saw an incredible 4,300 athletes take on the challenge—almost three times the number of participants from Cape Town’s event last year. Competitors ranged from elite athletes to fitness enthusiasts and first-timers, making it a sold-out event for both participants and spectators. The competition featured HYROX’s signature mix of functional fitness challenges, including running, rowing, and endurance-based strength exercises, pushing athletes to their limits.
Adding to the excitement, Johannesburg’s altitude made this the second-highest HYROX event globally, introducing an extra level of challenge for competitors. The energy in the venue was electric, amplified by the support of over 7,000 spectators who came to cheer on the athletes. The overwhelming turnout highlighted just how quickly HYROX is growing in South Africa and the vital role fans play in creating an unforgettable race-day atmosphere.
Building the Future of Fitness
Ahead of the main event, HYROX South Africa hosted its first-ever Brand Innovation Summit on 27 February 2025. The summit brought together media, athletes, influencers, and industry leaders to explore the future of fitness and sports marketing. It provided a valuable platform for collaboration and networking, reinforcing HYROX’s position as a leader in the fitness racing industry.
The excitement extended to social media, with engagement levels soaring. The official @HYROXSA Instagram account saw profile visits surge by over 230% in the month leading up to the event. Roughly 4,000 of the participants were South African residents, with the rest traveling from across the continent, including Botswana, Namibia, Ghana, and Kenya. The event saw a nearly even gender split, with women making up 54% of competitors and achieving a higher completion rate than men. HYROX Doubles and Relays proved especially popular, accounting for 75% of all entries, showing just how much athletes enjoy taking on the challenge with friends and family.
Standout Performances
Some of South Africa’s top fitness talents delivered standout performances. Kyle Schoonbee (RSA) took the Men’s Pro division title with a winning time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 9 seconds, while Danél Louw (RSA) dominated the Women’s Pro division, finishing in 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 34 seconds. In the Mixed Doubles division, HYROX South Africa ambassador Vicky MacIntosh and her racing partner Wesley Henning took first place with a time of 1 hour and 50 seconds.
A Milestone for South African Fitness
HYROX Johannesburg not only showcased the city’s potential as a premier fitness event host but also reinforced its role in growing the local sports industry. While the event didn’t draw large numbers of international athletes, it proved that Johannesburg has what it takes to support and expand the HYROX community.
Sponsors played a key role in enhancing the event experience, with interactive booths and product showcases from brands such as Red Bull, PUMA, Concept2, CENTR, Myprotein, Dis-Chem, Southern Sun, F45, Hyperice, The Skinny Food Co., BC Chiropractic, and MINI.
Simon Goldsbrough, HYROX Race Director, expressed his appreciation for the event’s success:
“We are incredibly grateful to our partners, athletes, and spectators who made HYROX Johannesburg an unforgettable experience. Their energy and commitment continue to drive the growth of fitness racing in South Africa. Johannesburg has proven itself as a dynamic host city, and we’re excited to build on this momentum, bringing even more high-energy events to the region in the future.”
Following the overwhelming success of HYROX Johannesburg, plans are already in motion for more South African events in 2025.
For more information, visit the HYROX website or contact:
Corlia Meyer
E: [email protected]
Credit to HYROX South Africa