Fitness competitions have surged in popularity over recent years, offering individuals a compelling challenge and a tangible goal to work towards. Whether you’re interested in functional fitness, endurance races, or strength-based challenges, there’s a competition out there for you. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and emerging fitness competitions you need to know about.
Hyrox
Hyrox is a global fitness race that combines running with functional exercises. Competitors complete eight 1 km runs, each followed by a functional workout. The events include exercises such as the SkiErg, sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmers carry, sandbag lunges, and wall balls. The inclusive nature of Hyrox has contributed to its growing popularity; participants can compete individually, in doubles, or as a relay, drawing both seasoned athletes and newcomers looking for a challenging and rewarding fitness experience.
CrossFit Games
The CrossFit Games are an annual competition designed to find the "Fittest on Earth." Unlike many traditional competitions, the CrossFit Games are unique in that athletes face "unknown and unknowable" challenges. This means they often do not know the specifics of the events until just before the competition begins. The events can include a mix of weightlifting, high-intensity interval training, gymnastics, and endurance activities. In past competitions, athletes have faced everything from ocean swims and obstacle courses to heavy lifting and complex gymnastic movements.
Spartan Race
Spartan Races are obstacle course events designed to test participants' physical and mental endurance, ranging from beginner to elite levels. Competitors face obstacles such as mud pits, barbed wire crawls, and rope climbs. The Spartan Sprint covers 3-5 miles with 20-23 obstacles, ideal for newcomers. The Spartan Super, at 8-10 miles with 24-29 obstacles, offers a middle-ground challenge for those looking to push further. The Spartan Beast, spanning 12-14 miles with 30-35 obstacles, demands rigorous training and resilience. For the ultimate test, the Spartan Ultra covers 30+ miles with 60+ obstacles, designed for elite athletes seeking to push their absolute limits.
Tough Mudder
Tough Mudder is an obstacle course race emphasizing teamwork and camaraderie over competition. The course options are 5k with 12+ obstacles and 15k with 20+ obstacles. The courses feature muddy and challenging obstacles such as the Arctic Enema (a plunge into ice-cold water), Electroshock Therapy (a run through a field of live wires delivering electric shocks), and Funky Monkey (an obstacle that combines monkey bars and rotating wheels over water).
Ironman Triathlon
Ironman races are long-distance triathlons that include a 2.4-mile open water swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon distance run of 26.2 miles. Ironman races are held worldwide, each with unique courses and conditions. To qualify as an "Ironman," participants must complete the entire race within a strict time limit, typically 17 hours, with cut-off times for each segment. The Ironman World Championship, held annually in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, is the most prestigious event, attracting elite athletes from around the globe who qualify through a series of Ironman events throughout the year.
Ultramarathons
Ultramarathons are races longer than the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles. These races vary in length, often spanning 50 kilometers (31 miles), 50 miles, 100 kilometers, or even 100 miles or more. Ultramarathons can take place on various terrains, including roads, trails, and rugged mountain paths, and they often challenge participants with significant elevation changes and extreme weather conditions.
Weightlifting
These competitions feature two lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Participants compete in weight classes and aim to lift the heaviest weights across both lifts. Weightlifting has a long history and dedicated following, making it a staple in strength sports.
Powerlifting
Powerlifting consist of three lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Athletes compete to lift the heaviest total weight across all three lifts. Powerlifting is popular for its straightforward test of strength, with a strong community base supporting the sport.
Adventure Races
An adventure race is a multi-disciplinary endurance event where teams or individuals compete in various outdoor activities over an extended period, often ranging from several hours to multiple days. The primary elements of adventure racing typically include trekking and running, mountain biking, paddling, climbing and navigation. Some notable events include Eco-Challenge, a multi-day course covering hundreds of miles through challenging terrains, and the Patagonian Expedition Race, known for its extreme conditions and remote locations in Chilean Patagonia.
