The final major of the HYROX season went down in Glasgow, Scotland, and it did not disappoint. With three World Championship bids on the line, a near world record performance, and some major shakeups in the field, this race gave us a lot to think about as we head into the World Championships.

Here are the five biggest takeaways from the last big race of the season and what they mean for the top contenders moving forward.

1. James Kelly Is Redefining HYROX Racing

For years, HYROX has been about managing the runs and dominating the stations. But James Kelly just flipped that script.

JK has turned his running into a weapon, consistently pushing the pace and holding strong in the stations just enough to pull away. His 53:22.29 finish was less than a second off Hunter McIntyre’s world record, and it was clear that his high-end running strength was the difference-maker.

Kelly made his decisive move in the middle of the race, showing that he can hold off any challenge with his relentless speed on the runs. With two major wins this season, he’s now the top contender for the World Championship. If betting odds were a thing in HYROX, JK would be the heavy favorite.

2. No Need to Worry About Hunter McIntyre

Let’s get one thing straight—Hunter McIntyre is still the guy.

This season, he’s been testing new strategies, and he hasn’t dominated every race like he used to. He finished 2nd in Las Vegas and 8th in Glasgow, but don’t let that fool you—he’s still capable of turning it on when it matters most.

Hunter had been traveling nonstop, competing in back-to-back races across Australia and the UK leading into Glasgow. This wasn’t a priority race for him, and it looked like he was using it as a tune-up for Worlds. Expect him to be locked in when the championship race arrives.

3. The Competition Is Tighter Than Ever

Glasgow gave us one of the most dramatic finishes of the season. The battle for the final World Championship spot came down to one rep between Tomas Tvrdik and Sean Noble, leading to a full dive across the finish line.

Initially, Noble took the spot, but after a post-race penalty, Tvrdik was awarded the final bid.

This race showed that as HYROX evolves, every second counts. The margins are razor-thin, and it’s no longer just about who is the fittest—it’s about who can execute flawlessly under pressure. Expect more epic finishes like this in the near future.

4. The Athlete Type is Changing

A few years ago, the strongest athletes who could run were dominating HYROX. Now? It’s runners who can handle the strength work.

Look at the top finishers in Glasgow:

  • James Kelly
  • Tim Wenisch
  • Rich Ryan
  • Peyo Menendez

All lean, fast runners who have adapted to the demands of HYROX stations. This shift could mark a new era in hybrid racing, where high-end aerobic capacity is the dominant factor.

While there are still different ways to win, we might start seeing a more specialized body type emerging at the top.

5. Rich Ryan is a Legitimate Podium Contender

Rich Ryan just proved that his breakout performance in Chicago wasn’t a fluke.

He finished 3rd in Glasgow with a time of 54:53, backing up his previous 54:28 finish in Chicago. His race strategy mirrors James Kelly’s, relying on a strong back half and elite running ability.

Ryan entered the sled push in 14th place and climbed all the way to 3rd by the end. His ability to run hard late in races makes him one of the most dangerous competitors in the field.

With a smart race in the World Championship, he could very well land on the podium.

Looking Ahead: The Final Spots for Worlds

With Glasgow wrapped up, there’s just one last chance to qualify for the World Championships—the Last Chance Qualifier in Barcelona on April 25.

Several big names are still fighting for those final three spots, including:

  • John Wynn
  • Sean Noble
  • Tobias Lautwein
  • Jannik Czapla
  • Colin Steifer
  • Marcus Wallace
  • Grayson Kilgore

One more interesting note—if any already-qualified athletes drop out due to injury or illness, their spots will be rolled down to the next finishers in Barcelona.

Final Thoughts

Glasgow gave us insight into the biggest storylines heading into the World Championships:

With Barcelona (Last Chance Qualifier) coming up, the season is far from over. But one thing is clear—this is the most competitive HYROX season we’ve ever seen.

Who’s taking the World Championship this year? Let’s hear your predictions! 👇🔥