HYROX
1 MIN 54 SECONDS
eGoli, Joburg, Jozi HYROX brings the Gold
HYROX Johannesburg was next level in every possible way, Fitness Racing is well and truly alive and kicking, full of vibes and inclusivity. With 4300 athletes and 7000 spectators over the day, the organised chaos was riveting, to say the least.- By Cameron Cleaver
With the secondhighest elevation of all time for a HYROX race, the altitude was a true test to all levels of competitors taking part, with slightly slower times compared to other international races. South Africa’ s own rising fitness stars, delivered some stunning performances, Kyle Schoonbee clinched first place in the Men’ s Pro division, finishing with a time of 1 hour 4 minutes 09 seconds. Danél Louw, took the Women’ s Pro title with an equally impressive time of 1 hour 08 minutes and 34 seconds.
Doubles and Relays still made up most of the entries, with women edging the males in participation. The Adaptive Racing category for disabled athletes, saw some epic humans competing, there weren’ t many dry eyes watching as these inspirational athletes smashed the course.
On a personal note, I was so excited to be back competing after suffering a tear in my pec and bicep a couple of weeks before and having to withdraw from Men’ s Pro Singles. My friend Roxy Louw, from HYROX SA, stepped into a Mixed Doubles entry with me with only seven days’ notice. I decided early that we would do it for fun, as with my injury, I had little to no training on the stations and Roxy had had no running training in the lead-up.
Disaster struck during run number two of eight, with Roxy pulling her hamstring, and thereafter the rest of the race was a lot of running / walking. Roxy was an absolute trooper, and although we finished with extremely slow run times, we had really quick station times. I couldn’ t be more appreciative that I had the chance to gain more racing experience and soak up the amazing atmosphere!
Finishing our race in 01h47 was an achievement in itself, and gave me insight into the other side of racing and community. This side was not just about the upper echelons, but also the real weekend warriors who don’ t do this professionally, but it is here that any format of Fitness Racing is built.
I just want to say a massive congratulations to everyone involved in HYROX Johannesburg, the athletes, the spectators, the sponsors, the volunteers, and also to HYROX South Africa for an incredibly successful and well-organised event.
Next up for HYROX is Cape Town on the 19th and 20th of July 2025.
Feel free to reach out on Instagram @ cameroncleaver or @ hyroxsa for information and guidance on all things HYROX.
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