Cardiff is gearing up for a major influx of visitors and spending as Hyrox, the world’s fastest-growing indoor fitness race, lands in the Welsh capital for the first time.
The three-day event, scheduled from 30 May to 1 June 2025, will take over the Principality Stadium, transforming the iconic rugby ground into a fitness arena expected to attract tens of thousands of competitors, fans, and supporters from around the world.
Economists and local business owners are already anticipating a surge in tourism revenue during what is usually a quieter time for the city.
“What we want to see here in Cardiff is tens of thousands of people coming at a time when most students have left,” said economist Dylan Jones-Evans. “It’s a quiet period for the city, so this event will provide a boost to local shops, restaurants, and hotels that wouldn’t otherwise expect it.”
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A Fitness Spectacle with Global Momentum
Hyrox began in Germany in 2017 with just 650 participants.
In fewer than eight years, it has exploded into a global phenomenon, establishing itself as a legitimate alternative to CrossFit, attracting both elite competitors and everyday fitness enthusiasts.
By the end of 2024, the sport had 250,000 athletes worldwide.
For 2025, that number is projected to surge past 650,000, with Hyrox now operating in 85 cities across 30 countries.
Organisers say their long-term target of one million global athletes by 2026 is “well within reach.”
That growth has been felt in the UK, where 79,500 individual athlete profiles are already registered with Hyrox.
Spain follows with 45,000, and Germany’s DACH region boasts 60,000.
Interestingly, the USA, despite its fitness culture, currently has only 45,600 profiles, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region trails with 22,000, suggesting massive untapped potential.
“This is just the beginning,” said Lauren Smith, a Barry-based gym owner and content presenter for Hyrox’s social media. “The atmosphere these events generate is unmatched. And doing it in a stadium like the Principality—where Wales has lifted trophies and won Grand Slams—makes it even more special.”
Why Hyrox Matters to Cardiff
Cardiff is no stranger to hosting major sporting events, but Hyrox arrives at a time of strategic opportunity.
The end of May marks the departure of thousands of university students, often leaving a lull in the city’s economic activity.
Hyrox’s arrival aims to fill that gap.
The recent Glasgow event drew an estimated 40,000 attendees, many of whom booked accommodation, dined out, and explored the city’s attractions in between races.
Cardiff officials and local business owners are hoping for a similar, if not greater, impact.
“When they went to Glasgow, it wasn’t just about the event—it was the money spent around the event,” said Jones-Evans. “That’s what we’re hoping Cardiff can benefit from.”
What Exactly Is Hyrox?
At its core, Hyrox is a standardised indoor fitness competition that blends endurance with strength and functionality.
Each race follows the same structure:
- 1 km run
- 1 fitness workout
- Repeat the sequence eight times
The workouts include:
- Ski Erg (1km)
- Sled push (50m)
- Sled pull (50m)
- Burpee broad jumps (80m)
- Rowing (1km)
- Farmer’s carry (200m)
- Sandbag lunges (100m)
- Wall balls (75–100 reps)
Whether racing solo or in teams, participants face a rigorous test of full-body fitness—but with a unique appeal that’s accessible to a broad range of fitness levels.
Nearly half of all participants compete in the Doubles division, where pairs split the workload.
This format has proven especially popular for newcomers looking to ease into the challenge or train alongside a friend or partner.
Local Gyms Already Feeling the Hyrox Effect
Just outside Cardiff in Gwaelod y Garth, the Colosseum Gym is already seeing a rise in Hyrox-focused training.
From rowing machines to weighted sleds, gym-goers are modifying their workouts in preparation for the big weekend.
Among them is Tracey Bennett, 44, who was inspired to take part after training alongside her 15-year-old daughter Grace.
“Grace is still too young to compete, but she’s been doing the workouts with me. She encouraged me to sign up. I’m not the most competitive person, but I’m doing it for fun,” Tracey said.
Grace, meanwhile, is biding her time until she turns 16 later in the year—the minimum age required to register.
“It’s just a totally different type of training,” Grace said. “There’s strength, but also a lot of cardio. It’s intense—but I love it.”
Their story reflects one of Hyrox’s biggest strengths: community and inclusivity.
The format allows families, friends, and gym buddies to train together, pushing each other while spending meaningful time side by side.
The Bigger Picture: Fitness as Economic Driver
Hyrox’s arrival in Cardiff follows a growing trend of large-scale events delivering unexpected economic benefits.
In the cultural space, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour generated an estimated £300 million for the UK economy during its London stops alone.
While Hyrox isn’t on that level—yet—it’s operating on a similar principle: drawing thousands of people who spend time and money in host cities.
The fact that Hyrox is taking over the entire Principality Stadium for multiple days is a clear signal of confidence in its drawing power.
And as the fitness industry continues to expand post-pandemic, cities that invest in high-profile wellness events may find themselves reaping rewards far beyond the gym floor.
“This isn’t just a race,” said Smith. “It’s a lifestyle movement—and Cardiff is about to be at the heart of it.”
