The first DEKA FIT teams race took place in Austin, TX on January 15, 2022. It’s been a part of all DEKA FIT events throughout 2022, and will continue in 2023. Let’s breakdown everything we know about DEKA FIT teams.
Here’s a little DEKA FIT Teams promo video from DEKA’s Instagram:
For the coed division, each station that requires a weighted implement will include both male & female weights
The Run
The DEKA FIT run is 500m, but it is always broken up into two 250m laps. There are 10 total 500m runs during a DEKA FIT teams race, one occurring before every station.
The first & last 500m run must be run by both teammates, together (runs 1 & 10)
The eight 500m runs in the middle (runs 2-9) can be run by one teammate, or they can be split up (250m by one teammate, 250m by the other)
If each teammate is running 250m, hand to hand contact must be made before the second runner takes off on their 250m lap. Teammate 1 must pass the timing chip to teammate 2. There is a dedicated Running Hand Off Zone where this will take place.
If one teammate is running all 500m, the second teammate can wait inside the next DEKA zone.
The Zones
For zones that require weighted implements, men must use the male weights. Females can choose to use the female or male weights.
Before any work is completed, 1) both teammates must be inside the zone, and 2) hand to hand contact must be made
Both teammates must remain inside the zone while work is being completed
Work can be split up however you choose, but only one teammate can be working at a time
Before a teammate leaves for the run, 1) all repetitions/meters/calories must be completed, and 2) hand to hand contact must be made
After completing Zone 10, both teammates must cross the finish line together
Once you start working at a station, you must remain in that station for the completion of that zone. You cannot switch stations/machines.
DEKA STRONG events happen at affiliate gyms across the country. Since they are not organized by DEKA, individual gyms can choose whether or not to run team heats.
There are official rules for DEKA STRONG teams, and they follow the same basic rules as outlined above. Running rules don’t apply since there is no running in DEKA STRONG. All the same zone rules apply.
There are no timing chips for DEKA STRONG. Your finish time is when the final repetition of Zone 10 is completed.
DEKA MILE Teams
DEKA MILE events happen at affiliate gyms across the country. Since they are not organized by DEKA, individual gyms can choose whether or not to run team heats.
There are official rules for DEKA MILE teams, and they follow the same basic rules as outlined above.
For running…
the 160m run cannot be split up
the first & last 160m runs must be completed by both teammates
runs 2-9 only need to be completed by one teammate (you decide)
all hand contact rules apply
All the same zone rules apply.
There are no timing chips for DEKA MILE. Your finish time is when the final repetition of Zone 10 is completed.
Text your workout buddy and sign up for a DEKA FIT team event today!
