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HYROX Johannesburg marks a ground-breaking achievement

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on HYROX Johannesburg marks a ground-breaking achievement

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

NPL Ambassador Vicky MacIntosh Makes History as South Africa’s First Hyrox Champion

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on NPL Ambassador Vicky MacIntosh Makes History as South Africa’s First Hyrox Champion

NPL Ambassador Vicky MacIntosh Makes History as South Africa’s First Hyrox Champion

South Africa’s fitness community recently celebrated a groundbreaking achievement as Vicky MacIntosh, an elite triathlete and CrossFitter, claimed victory in the country’s first-ever Hyrox race. The 33-year-old made history in Cape Town by becoming the first professional South African athlete to qualify for the 2024 Hyrox World Championships. This accomplishment comes alongside another exciting announcement: Vicky is now officially an ambassador for NPL (Nutritional Performance Labs), a leading sports supplement brand.

Powered by NPL: Vicky MacIntosh’s Journey to Victory

As NPL’s newest ambassador, Vicky isn’t just celebrating her Hyrox win—she’s also highlighting the importance of proper supplementation in achieving peak athletic performance. “Our partnership with Vicky has played a key role in her training, helping her optimize her nutrition and recovery so she can compete at the international level,” says Cherrie Blackmore, NPL’s Head of Marketing.

Vicky’s supplement regimen, designed to meet the intense demands of Hyrox, includes NPL’s Platinum Whey, maltodextrin for sustained energy, and Creatine Monohydrate for strength and endurance. She also uses NPL’s VitaPack to ensure her body gets essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and recovery.

“Nutrition is crucial for success in Hyrox, especially for women,” Vicky explains. “There’s a lot of confusion around supplements, and with NPL, I’m excited to share insights on how to fuel properly for high-performance sports, particularly for female athletes.”

Hyrox: A Global Fitness Sensation

Hyrox is a hybrid race combining running with functional workout stations, and its global popularity is on the rise. In South Africa, it’s quickly gaining traction among both professional and amateur athletes. Known for her versatility in endurance sports, Vicky adapted to the tough demands of Hyrox, which includes eight rounds of 1km runs with high-intensity workout stations in between.

“Hyrox is special because it’s accessible to so many people—the exercises are simple but physically challenging,” says Vicky. “It’s not just a test of fitness, but also of mental toughness.”

Pioneering Hyrox in South Africa

Vicky’s win in Cape Town is a major step in introducing Hyrox to South Africa. As she continues competing internationally, she’s also focused on raising awareness for the sport and encouraging more South Africans to get involved.

“My goal isn’t just to qualify for the Elite 15 circuit—the top tier of Hyrox athletes worldwide—but also to help grow the sport in South Africa,” Vicky shares. “With NPL’s support, I’m hoping to build a strong Hyrox community here and show that South Africans can compete at the highest level.”

NPL is equally excited about the partnership. “Vicky MacIntosh truly embodies what NPL stands for—excellence, dedication, and constantly pushing boundaries,” says Cherrie. “We’re proud to be part of her journey as she continues to break new ground in Hyrox.”

Looking Ahead

With her Hyrox debut behind her, Vicky is preparing for a busy season ahead, with competitions lined up in Europe as she works toward earning a spot in the Elite 15 circuit. As she tackles new challenges, NPL will continue to support her, fueling her progress with their premium sports supplements.

Vicky MacIntosh’s story is one of determination, passion, and the power of nutrition. Her Hyrox victory and partnership with NPL are setting the stage for her to inspire the next generation of South African athletes and lead the charge in this rapidly growing sport.