As someone who closely follows fitness trends, HYROX was impossible to ignore. I researched about it a little, and decided instantly that I am writing about this.
Next day, I was going through Facebook reels, found an old friend has shared about one HYROX participant. It clicked instantly.
I messaged him to give me an intro with this participant. That is how I crossed paths with, Mr. Soubhagya Kumar Rath, the finisher of Ultrahuman HYROX Bengaluru.
But, before we know more about him and his HYROX Bengaluru experience, let’s know a little about HYROX.
What is HYROX competition?
HYROX workouts are one of the most challenging indoor hybrid competitions that test athletes’ endurance, strength and stamina.
Christian Toetzke and Moritz Fürste founded the HYROX in Germany in 2017.
Since it has spread across continents, and is one of the most participated events across the globe.
Why is HYROX unique and spreading quickly?
The core of HYROX is consistency. Globally, any HYROX race is comprised of same workout sequence, same distance and same rules.
Here is how HYROX race format looks like;
Let’s now quickly bring in our Ultrahuman of the day and listen to his story.
Q&A with Mr. Soubhagya Kumar Rath, the finisher of Ultrahuman HYROX Bengaluru, 2026
Can you briefly introduce yourself and your fitness journey?
I am Soubhagya Kumar Rath, and I work as a Programme Executive in Akashvani Sambalpur, Odisha. I am into sports since my childhood, but after my career at Akashvani Cuttack, I took sports and fitness seriously. I am a 2 x Ironman finisher (if everything falls in place, we shall bring his ironman experience soon on the blog).
What made you try HYROX, and what attracted you to it?
As I failed in my last mountaineering expedition to Kang Yatse in Ladakh last year, I reassessed my performance, I wanted to include a lot of strength training with my regular running. HYROX is one of the best performance sports which balances cardio and strength.
How was your first HYROX experience in one or two sentences?
HYROX humbled me. I saw athletes fall in front of me due to cramp, but I somehow performed well with limited infra back at Sambalpur.
What was the toughest moment during the race, and how did you push through it?
Every station was different in a way as there are lots of energy spent and a particular group of muscles involved, but wallball targets were really tough, as my wife was cheering (you won’t get a better source of motivation) from the spectator’s gallery, I sailed through the finish line.
How did you prepare for HYROX (training + routine)?
I finished my last full marathon back in Dec 2025. After that I completely devoted to HYROX training. There were no gyms available in my city for HYROX training, so I found it difficult to practice. I went to Cuttack for a coupon of times under the guidance of Sambit Rout to get hands on the equipment for HYROX. I knew this would going to be tough.
Which exercise or station challenged you the most?
My mind went blank a few times in pulling the sledge and wallball hits were the toughest for me. And running after work stations were really a challenge.
Did you follow any specific race strategy, or just go all out?
I practiced a lot of squats, lunges and burpees, dumbbell and pulling exercises and would run alternate days. Going out blindly would have been suicidal.
What’s one mistake beginners should avoid in HYROX?
Beginners should build a very good cardio engine of running at least one half marathon and do a lot of strength training and do everything in low heart rate, else they will face disaster.
How has HYROX changed your fitness or mindset?
Earlier I would just run a few kms, but I add a bit of strength training, be it bodyweight or heavy weight. This makes me happy and strong.
What’s your one piece of advice for someone planning their first HYROX?
Don’t rush.
So, that is the champions’ mind, right there. I haven’t added anything except for my reactions at a couple of places.
Everything above is Mr. Soubhagya’s own experience, described in his words.
I would like to congratulate him on this achievement, also thank him for sparing his precious time for this Q&A.
Key Takeaways from Soubhagya’s Experience
There are some obvious takeaways from Soubhagya’s HYROX race experience;
HYROX training must include a hybrid workout approach. Your training must focus on strength and endurance.
Running, being a crucial element, as athlete have to finish 8 x 1 km run.
For workstations, one need to train on core and lower body strength.
Ideal workout for a HYROX enthusiast must include marathons for endurance and cross-fit style exercises for functional fitness.
While physical fitness is quintessential, mental ability to compete and finish the tough circuit is taxing as well.
That kind of mental conditioning is achievable only by confidence, and that comes from preparation.
So, one need to train enough to achieve that “Hulk mindset” to survive the rigorous HYROX race.
And like our guest said, don’t rush. Get hands on with experiences like marathon, do cross-fit, work on your grip strength, and then give HYROX a try.
Read More: 40+ and Want to Stay Fit? These Bodyweight Exercises Actually Work
Tips for the Race Day
All athletes, on their pole position, GET! SET!! GO!!! NO.
- Warm up as you do naturally before your workouts. This will activate your beast mode and minimise your chances of injuries.
- Hydrate yourself adequately. HYROX is a though competition, hydrate enough so that you don’t get a cramp midway. Cramps can force you to quit.
- There is a sequence of workouts, I have already shared an image earlier to show the order of events. So, know your stations beforehand.
- HYROX, as I have understood, is a race of your own pace. Don’t try to emulate others and exhaust yourself.
Beginner’s Mistake to avoid
Here are few tips to help you ace your HYROX training:
- Don’t skip running training. For some reasons, many people don’t like to run as compared to other exercises. But, for HYROX training, you can’t ignore running.
- Going all-out too early, only to find gasping for breath at the later stages of the HYROX workout. Avoid this mistake if you want to finish your circuit successfully.
- Every exercise or workout has a technique. For better results always stick to maintaining a good technique.
- Transitioning from one exercise to other is crucial in a HYROX race. 8 Runs, followed by a workstation activity, 8 times in a row, you need to master transition. Practice transitioning enough.
- Don’t try new gears/shoes on the race day. Al though, new shoes/gears would make you feel good, but you aren’t used to it. So, don’t risk your race by trying new gears/shoes on the race day.
Conclusion
HYROX brings endurance and strength together in a race built for everyone—from beginners to elite athletes.
In India, two more HYROX competitions are lined up in 2026. 1st is Master’s Union HYROX Delhi, scheduled on 24-26th July 2026.
2nd is HYROX Mumbai, 18-20th September 2026.
Would you like to try HYROX at any of these events. Let us know in the comments.