đź“ś HYROX Launches Athlete License Program

HYROX continues to invest in the sporting legitimacy of their events with the launch of the Athlete License Program.

🔍 What Is It?

  • A commitment to anti-doping, fair play, and professional standards for participating athletes.
  • In exchange, athletes will receive:
    • First wave prioritization
    • Enhanced anti-doping education
    • Administrative support
    • Direct communication channels with the HYROX Elite Sport team.
📝 Important: All athletes competing in a Major event (Individual or Doubles) this season must complete the license — but only before competing, not to qualify.

Starting in the 2026/2027 season, the license will be required to qualify for Majors.

🧠 Race Brain Thoughts

  • Pro Card Future?
    This could be the foundation for a points-based qualification system, moving away from time based and into something similar to the Ironman Pro system
  • Year-Round Drug Testing?
    A defined athlete pool opens the door to randomized, out-of-competition testing. This would lend much more legitimacy to the sport.
  • Athlete Perks… eventually?
    Right now, this changes little for top athletes who have already been placed in early waves. But the hope is long-term benefits like financial support, travel help, or status perks.

🌍 What’s Happening This Weekend?

HYROX returns with a 3-event weekend:

  • 🇲🇽 Acapulco – First Americas event of the new season
  • 🇮🇳 Mumbai - The second Mumbai event of the year
  • 🇦🇺 Perth – A 3-day event with strong early results

🔥 Early Results from Perth

  • Tom Rodgers (Elite 15) outdueled Tanguy Cruz, clocking 57:16. Cruz crossed the line first but received a 30-second burpee penalty.
  • Josh Van Zeeland races Saturday. Currently just outside Major qualifying — watch closely.
  • Gabrielle Nikora-Baker from New Zealand ran 1:02:24, a strong time that could help her get in the upcoming Melbourne Major.
đź‘€ New Pro Doubles Alert?
Joanna Wietrzyk appears to be partnering with Jess Pettrow after splitting from Team PRVN. Early signs suggest they could be a legit Elite 15 threat.

The crew at Race Brain took a week off for Labor Day. But, if you are looking for a good watch, check out this piece from WOD Science on the role of strength and power within HYROX.

💪 The LT Games: Lifetime’s Answer to HYROX?

Lifetime Fitness has launched a mass-participation fitness competition that blends the intensity of HYROX with the strength elements of CrossFit.

Event Breakdown

  • đź’¨ Cardio: Running, Ski Erg, Rowing
  • 🎯 HYROX Staples: Wall Balls, Burpees
  • 🏋️ Strength Movements:
    • Deadlifts
    • Barbell Shoulder to Overhead
    • Double Dumbbell Ground-to-Overhead

đź“Ť Inaugural Event:
October 25–26 in Minneapolis

Click here for the full race breakdown

That’s it for this Drop. As the season heats up and more athletes chase Hamburg slots, Race Brain will be watching — and questioning — every burpee penalty, every wave time, and every qualification tweak. Make sure to subscribe and tell a friend.