HYROX hits Kitchener with new youth competition

A popular fitness competition came to Waterloo Region and, as CTV’s Spencer Turcotte explains, even young participants got a chance to show their stuff.

What may be one of the fastest-growing fitness races has come to Waterloo Region.

From sled pushes and pulls, to rowing and farmer’s carries HYROX came to Kitchener on Monday.

“HYROX is basically taking over the world,” said Maria Fearnall, who co-owns F45 Doon and co-hosted the HYROX event. “It is a functional fitness race. There are eight stations that we go through. Normally in a big race, we do one kilometre of running and then the stations afterwards.”

Kitchener’s HYROX race was made possible through Hybrid Series KW – a collaboration between F45 Doon and Limitless Performance.

There is a twist with this event – no running, just raw power.

“The running is such a recovery component in the normal race, but this is just a different way to get practice,” said Fearnall.

There are several divisions to compete in including individuals, doubles, pro, teams and a new category called YoungStars.

“We are the first racing business to bring YoungStars to Canada and North America to be honest with you. It is children ages 8 to 11 and 12 to 15 doing their first HYROX race with us,” Fearnall said.

CTV News caught up with some of the youth competitors at the finish line.

“I practiced, but not a crazy amount,” said youth competitor Kurtis Lantz.

Lantz treated it as a warm-up of sorts for the day.

“I [still] have hockey practice,” Lantz said.

His girlfriend also competed.

“Oh my gosh. I was so out of breath. I’m not used to this kind of activity,” said youth competitor Ashley Foxcroft.

She said she’s interested in doing HYROX again but admitted that it was enough activity for her for the day.

“I’m just going to hang out with him until hockey practice,” said Foxcroft.

About 350 athletes competed in the Family Day fitness challenge. People of all different ages and abilities gave it their best shot.

“It’s allowed me to stay active and continue to have goals in my pregnancy. I’m eight months pregnant,” said adult participant Julie Nguyen.

Despite the extra cargo, Nguyen still only competed in the individual category.

“The baby is really happy and active,” she said, smiling.

If you’re looking to push yourself to the max, the next Canadian HYROX race is in Ottawa in May.