For centuries, elite physical specimens have thrived in the environment of competition, igniting new rivalries, cultivating old ones, and pursuing the ultimate purpose of bettering oneself. It’s the battle within, against the greatest adversary of all: yourself. Whether it’s heroes of ancient civilizations or the real-time spectacle of modern-day gladiators in the MMA arena, we are drawn to the sheer physical prowess of competitors, while they simultaneously challenge their mental fortitude. There are many ways to test our pursuit of peak performance, one of which happens to be HYROX. To put it plainly, HYROX is a combination of running and functional workout stations. Participants are asked to run one kilometre, followed by one functional workout station, and the pattern is repeated eight times. This indoor sporting event is an electrifying, blood-pumping, and immersive sporting experience, garnering both seasoned professional athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts to drastically thrust their training to a higher level. We had the pleasure of talking to a couple of our very own community members who took part in HYROX Bangkok. They shared their experience of the exhilarating competition, from the prepping process to strategic positioning on the leaderboard.
SUPHATHEP SRICHAWLA
35 years old,
Chief Marketing Officer at 39 Boulevard Group of Companies
What were the particular challenges in preparing for HYROX compared to other fitness competitions you’ve participated in?
Like most fitness competitions, the training can be very time-consuming, and it does impact your lifestyle, especially your social life. You really have to make a conscious decision to prioritise workouts over everything else at times.
HYROX training is particularly demanding because it often requires longer sessions, sometimes even double sessions in a day. It’s not just about lifting or running; it’s about combining them in a way that prepares your body for constant fatigue. That takes time and intentional planning.
Recovery also becomes a huge part of the process. I had to be strict with my sleep, nutrition, and recovery protocols—sauna sessions, mobility work, all of it. If you don’t stay on top of recovery, your body just breaks down. HYROX doesn’t just test your fitness; it tests your ability to manage stress and stay consistent over weeks of hard prep.
Can you describe the atmosphere of the event? How did it feel to compete in Bangkok?
Competing in Bangkok was truly special. Having friends, family, and so many familiar faces there added a personal touch that made the experience even more meaningful. The atmosphere was electric, from the crowd to the music to the energy on the floor. The event was exceptionally well-organised, with great attention to detail, including the venue setup and food.
What stood out most was the sense of community. Everyone was cheering for each other, regardless of category or fitness level, and that spirit of support made the event even more memorable. I’ve done multiple HYROX races, and honestly, Bangkok was the best one I’ve experienced so far.
What part of the event stood out for you the most?
There was one moment I’ll never forget. I saw an athlete in the adaptive category doing the sled push with just one hand. It completely stopped me in my tracks. The determination on his face, the way he just kept going, was honestly overwhelming. Later, he was doing wall balls one-handed, and the entire crowd was on their feet, cheering him on. You could feel the energy shift in the room. It was raw, powerful, and emotional. It reminded me why we do this — not just to compete, but to witness and be part of something bigger than ourselves.
ORASA (VARSHA) HORACHAIKUL
50 years old, Zumba Instructor and Student (Bachelor’s in Psychology)
How did your performance compare to your expectations going in?
Going into HYROX, I honestly just wanted to finish strong and give it my all. It was my first time and just days before my 50th birthday so completing the race itself felt like a huge win. I definitely pushed past my own limits, especially with the running, which has always been the hardest part for me. The fact that I kept going, even when my legs felt like giving out, was a big personal milestone. Thanks to my partner Ainsley, who stood by me.
Will you participate in another Hyrox event? What’s next on your fitness journey?
Yes, I’d definitely do another HYROX! It pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, and now I want to come back stronger (especially with my running). I’ve got the bug now, HYROX is addictive in the best way. Next on my fitness journey? Keep building endurance, improving my pace, and I have just signed up for more Spartan Race, and a new one that I signed up for is Redline Fitness, which is in Bangkok in December. I’m all about challenging myself, and now that I’ve crossed 50, I’m just getting started!
What advice would you give to future participants competing in the event?
Just go for it! You don’t have to be the fastest or strongest. HYROX is about showing up and pushing your limits. Train smart, especially your running, because those 8Ks in between stations add up fast.
Don’t underestimate transitions, either; they make a big difference in timing. And most importantly, enjoy the process. The energy on race day is incredible, and the community will carry you through. I was nervous for my first one, but I finished feeling proud and already planning to go for the next one.
UDIT DHAWAN
34 years old, Management Trainee
What was the most difficult obstacle in this event?
First, there was balancing my training for HYROX with work, my ongoing football season, as well as an ankle injury, which I was recovering from; that too from a football match. On the other end, the most mentally challenging part is not quitting when you reach the final 100 wall balls, as you are getting called for ‘no reps’ by the judges. You are so close but so far from the finish line.
Were there any standout moments of teamwork or sportsmanship that left an impression on you?
Just the overall experience and culture of everyone being supportive of each other. For example, someone I know did the mixed-doubles race with his mother, which was very inspiring and sweet to me seeing them race together.
Could you feel the excitement in your bones?
Amazing atmosphere, being in Bangkok with so many familiar faces from the fitness community, all cheering you on as you are running laps around the course. Also, a rare opportunity to run laps in fresh cold aircon in Bangkok rather than in the hot humid outdoors made it feel much easier than training days. Thank goodness!
Any advice for newcomers considering their first Hyrox race?
Yes, the base of your training should be building your aerobic capacity with slow easy running (Zone 2) as Hyrox is a runner’s sport. If you are intimidated by the workout, I recommend starting with doubles, my first ever race was also mixed doubles with my partner and it wasa very enjoyable experience!