Hyrox vs Spartan: Which Race is Right for You?

Are you looking to level up your fitness game but unsure of where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re diving deep into the exciting world of obstacle course racing, specifically comparing two major players: Hyrox and Spartan Race. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a gym newbie, this blog post is geared to help you decide which event will push you to your limits, but also leave you with a sense of achievement.

What is an Obstacle Course Race?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what an obstacle course race (OCR) actually is. Imagine a running race, but with various obstacles thrown in that you have to manoeuvre through. This includes things like rope climbs, wall jumps, and even some crawling through mud! It’s a full-body workout and a true test of your mental and physical resilience.

The Spartan Race: Embrace Your Inner Warrior

Founded in 2007, the Spartan Race is one of the most popular OCR events worldwide. These races range from 3 miles to marathon distances and are chock-full of obstacles that require strength, agility, and endurance. Expect to crawl under barbed wire, carry heavy sandbags, and even throw spears! Spartan Races are usually held outdoors in rugged, unpredictable terrains.

Who Should Try It?

If you’re a great runner or have a good strength-to-weight ratio, Spartan might just be your playground. It’s tough, and beginners are expected to fail at various tasks—so it’s the perfect setting to challenge yourself and conquer your fears. There’s also an age group category allowing you to compete against peers, which can make it feel a bit more approachable for newbies.

Hyrox: The Modern Decathlon

Hyrox bills itself as the modern version of a decathlon designed for everybody, not just elite athletes. The events are standardized, consisting of eight 1k running segments separated by functional fitness exercises like wall balls and rowing. Unlike Spartan, Hyrox events are typically indoors, often in exhibition centres.

Who Should Try It?

If you’re someone who spends more time in the gym pumping iron, Hyrox might be more up your alley. Many of the tasks focus on size and strength, so your gym skills will definitely come in handy. It’s also less intimidating for those scared of the ‘guaranteed failure’ in a Spartan race. You can complete the tasks; it’s just a matter of how quickly.

Which is Better for Beginners: Spartan or Hyrox?

If you’re new to the world of fitness and obstacle course racing, both Spartan and Hyrox present compelling options to kickstart your journey. The key requirement for entering either event is the ability to jog a continuous 5k. That said, there are some important nuances to consider.

Spartan Races can vary widely in distance and are usually set in challenging, outdoor terrains. The longer the race, the more demanding it is on your endurance and mental fortitude. On the flip side, Hyrox offers a more controlled, indoor environment with a standard set of functional fitness obstacles. While both types of races will certainly push you out of your comfort zone, Hyrox obstacles tend to be more achievable for the average gym-goer. So if the idea of “guaranteed failure” at some tasks is intimidating, Hyrox might be the more comfortable entry point for you.

Ultimately, the best choice for beginners comes down to what inspires you the most. Motivation is a crucial factor in overcoming fears and achieving personal goals. If you find the idea of conquering unpredictable outdoor obstacles exhilarating, then Spartan is your go-to. If, however, you’re drawn to the idea of a race that mirrors your regular gym routine but amps it up to the max, then Hyrox will likely be more your speed. Both events offer a challenging yet achievable experience that will help you grow both physically and mentally.

Can You Handle Failure? Spartan vs Hyrox

When diving into obstacle course racing, how you view failure could significantly influence your choice between the Spartan Race and the Hyrox Challenge. Spartan is notorious for being tough—even elite racers often fail at one or more obstacles. If you’re a beginner, expect to fail at a few tasks, but see it as a learning curve. The idea here is that challenges are meant to be extremely difficult, pushing you to overcome your limits. Some people thrive in this kind of pressure-cooker environment, using failure as a motivator for future success.

On the other hand, if the thought of almost certain failure doesn’t jibe with your fitness goals, you might find Hyrox more palatable. The tasks are challenging but generally doable for someone with a decent level of fitness. The Hyrox arena also offers a more anonymous setting—while the spotlight could highlight your struggles in a Spartan Race, you’re just one of many in a Hyrox event. That could ease some of the mental pressure if the fear of public failure weighs on you.

Lastly, consider your own fitness strengths when contemplating failure. Spartan tends to favour those who excel at running and have a good strength-to-weight ratio, giving traditional runners a bit of an edge. On the flip side, a few tasks may be easier for individuals with more substantial body weight. In Hyrox, the focus shifts toward functional fitness and size, which could make the tasks more achievable if you’re coming from a gym-based background. Understanding your physical capabilities and how you mentally handle failure can help you make an informed decision between these two challenging yet rewarding fitness events.

What kind of athlete are you?

Determining whether Spartan or Hyrox is the better fit for you boils down to your specific athletic strengths and what ignites your competitive spirit. If you’re an experienced runner who thrives on varied terrains and unpredictable obstacles, the Spartan Race is likely more your speed. Spartan challenges will push you to maximize your running endurance, agility, and even your strength to some extent. However, it’s not all about running; you’ll need a good dose of mental grit and the ability to adapt to varied, often challenging, obstacles.

Conversely, if you’re someone who spends more time lifting weights or working on functional fitness in the gym, Hyrox could be more up your alley. The tasks in Hyrox focus on size and strength, closely mimicking typical gym exercises but with a competitive edge. The setting is also more controlled, typically indoors, allowing you to focus purely on your performance rather than navigating tricky terrain.

That said, it’s crucial to remember that no matter your starting point—be it running prowess or gym-forged strength—success in either race will ultimately hinge on a balanced skill set, including running speed. Both Spartan and Hyrox are designed to push you out of your comfort zone, testing not just your physical capabilities but also your mental fortitude.

And for those who want to go the extra mile in matching their competitiveness with others in their age bracket, Spartan offers age group categories. This allows racers to compete against peers under the same set of rigorous rules followed by elite athletes, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation to the race.

So, as you decide between Spartan and Hyrox, consider what aspects of physical fitness make you tick. Is it the thrill of open-air running and conquering unpredictable obstacles? Or is it the controlled challenge of indoor, gym-like tasks that test your strength and endurance? Your answer could be your ticket to a fulfilling and rewarding racing experience.

Spectating Hyrox vs Spartan: A Fan’s Perspective

When it comes to watching an obstacle course race unfold, the spectator experience is very important! Your kids, better halves and mates will have dragged themselves out of bed to come and watch you, so they deserve to have as much fun as you right?! 

The settings for these races offer a wildly different spectator experience. Spartan races generally happen in the great outdoors, often sprawling over expansive terrains. There’s a “race village” that comes complete with a range of amenities like snacks and live music to keep the energy up. But ultimately you are outdoors and if the weather isn’t great, there’s not really anywhere to hide.

On the flip side, Hyrox events are usually indoors, hosted in exhibition centres. Imagine the luxury of sitting at a café or restaurant, enjoying a latte or a smoothie, while waiting for your athlete to pass by. Both have their unique appeal, but Hyrox definitely gives a more comfortable setting for spectators.

Up Close and Personal

Now, this is where these events are drastically different for spectators. While the vast landscapes of Spartan races can make it tough for spectators to follow every twist and turn, Hyrox’s indoor settings and their unique layout allow you to be up close to the action. 

The Hyrox event layout allows spectators to get right up close to almost every part of the event. You can literally follow an athlete through the race. The confined space packed with thousands of people creates a buzzing atmosphere and you’ll feed of that as much as the athletes. 

Spartan can’t replicate this. The events span miles of open fields and they do a cracking job of keeping you entertained. To actually see your athlete, you’ll need to be prepared to walk a fair bit and plan your time out to perfection to ensure you don’t miss anything. 

Eyes on the prize 

The finish line experience is another great point of comparison for these two fitness events.

In both Spartan and Hyrox, you’re made to feel like an absolute legend crossing the line! It’s pretty epic on both counts. At spartan you’ll sprint down the finish shoot and leap over a blazing fire pit – that’s something that you won’t forget for a while and if you do, the finisher photo will soon remind you. 

Hyrox on the other hand builds a grandstand like no other. After your final Wall Ball you’ll feel like a world champ running up the ramp to fireworks and the PA shouting your name, it’s pretty sensational. 

The difference between these two events is what happens next…

Spartan goes overboard on the finish line goodies! Two chunky medals, a T-shirt and a ton of snacks and drinks. You’re well looked after and the finish shoot leads into a vendor village with even more goodies, albeit you need to buy them.

Hyrox on the other hand seem to spend all their budget on the building. The arena is EPIC as we’ve said, but aside from the PA shouting your name, your finish line experience ends there. No medal, t-shirt or memento. Thank you very much, see you next time. It does leave you a little wanting. Not that you should be doing these events for a trophy, but the experience just ends.

Photos

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to commemorating your experience as a spectator (or a racer), the quality of photos can make all the difference. Both Hyrox and Spartan events offer photo services, but the approaches are like night and day.

Free but Standard: Spartan’s Approach

Spartan tend to offer free photos for their races, which is a neat perk on the surface. However, these photos often capture “standard moments” like crossing the finish line or during an obstacle from afar. They’re solid reminders of the race, but they usually lack a bit of pizzazz and are few and far between. It’s more of a “been there, done that” sort of memento, offering you proof that you were part of the event but maybe not capturing the sheer electricity of the moment.

Premium and with a BANG: The Hyrox Way

Hyrox, on the other hand, opts for a premium photography experience. You will however need to dive into your pocket again for the privilege of owning the photos – about £30. But boy, do they deliver with the photo package you get! 

Photographers at Hyrox events are like action-packed photo ninjas, running all over the course to capture the drama, the intensity, and the unique, in-the-zone moments that make for unforgettable keepsakes. They aim to give you something more—something that encapsulates the emotional highs and lows, the struggle, and the triumphs, not just of the participants but also of the roaring crowd.

So there you have it folks! A comprehensive comparison of two kick arse fitness events. So, what’s it gonna be? Are you the wild outdoor Spartan warrior, or the functional fitness fanatic who likes predictability and the comfort of an arena? Either way, you’re in for an epic, sweat-drenching experience that’ll leave you hungry for more!