HYROX has always encouraged adaptive athletes to participate, but starting in 2024/25, they can now register in a specific division for their impairment.
A new rulebook was introduced for the 2024/25 season, which better outlines the 9 impairment divisions, movement standards, workout modifications, and qualification system for the World Championship.
Mintra Tilly, HYROX Head of Sports, had this to say about the new HYROX adaptive division:
“We have already seen many incredible adaptive athletes complete HYROX across the world in past seasons. It’s always been a priority for us to be able to cater more comprehensively to the community and now I’m pleased to be able to implement this first season of ‘Official’ Adaptive Racing with many more to come.”
–Mintra Tilly, HYROX Head of Sports
Adaptive Divisions
HYROX adaptive athletes will compete in their own division, according to the 9 classifications below. You choose your impairment classification during registration.
Seated Impairment
- SWHF: Seated with hip function
- SWOHF: Seated without hip function
- SWOC: Seated without core function
Neuromuscular Impairment
- Major: Severe muscle weakness, nervous system or coordination condition
- Minor: Milder muscle weakness, nervous system or coordination condition
Limb Impairment
- Lower limb impairment: Limited function or mobility in the legs
- Upper limb impairment: Reduced function or mobility in the arms
- Short stature impairment: Short height due to skeletal conditions
- Visual/Hearing impairment: Partial or total loss of vision or hearing
If you have an impairment that doesn’t fit within the above categories, HYROX encourages you to contact them directly. They’re very open to feedback, and would like to see all adaptive athletes compete in some capacity.
NOTE: Athletes must be officially classified into one of the above divisions to ensure eligibility. These divisions are reserved for individuals with permanent impairments. Athletes with temporary injuries (e.g. due to knee surgery) do not qualify for adaptive categories.
Running/Pushing Distance
The running/pushing distance varies based on which division you are in:
| Adaptive Division | Run/Push Distance |
|---|---|
| Lower limb impairment | 1 km |
| Upper limb impairment | 1 km |
| Short stature impairment | ~350 m (1 lap) |
| Visual/Hearing impairment | 1 km |
| Neurological (minor) impairment | ~750 m (2 laps) |
| Neurological (major) impairment | ~350 m (1 lap) |
| Seated with hip function | 1 km |
| Seated without hip function | 1 km |
| Seated without core function | ~350 m (1 lap) |
The distance that each athlete must cover in the Roxzone is the same for all divisions.
Guide Runners
All adaptive athletes can enlist the assistance of a guide runner to help with orientation and getting into position at workout stations.
- Guide runners cannot help with completing the workout stations
- Athletes must provide their own guide runner; HYROX does not provide them
- Guide runners do not appear in HYROX rankings
- Guide runners do not have to pay for a ticket; they are free of charge
Station Modifications
Each of the 8 HYROX workout stations have been modified for adaptive athletes. The weights and distances vary for each division. We’ve summarized them below, along with the modifications for specific impairments.
Ski Distance (Adaptive Divisions)
If necessary, a judge will help with the ski handles or a box will be provided. Please inform our staff upon registration if you need assistance.
The following table illustrates the ski distance for each adaptive division:
| Adaptive Division | Ski Distance |
|---|---|
| Lower limb impairment | 1000 m |
| Upper limb impairment | 1000 m |
| Short stature impairment | 500 m |
| Visual/Hearing impairment | 1000 m |
| Neurological impairment | 1000 m |
| Seated with hip function | 900 m |
| Seated without hip function | 800 m |
| Seated without core function | 500 m |
Sled Push Distance & Weight (Adaptive Divisions)
Adaptive athletes use the same 12.5 m area as all other athletes for the sled push.
- 25m = 1 down & back
- 50m = 2 down & backs
Seated Athletes: Sled will be attached to the chair with straps. You will drag the sled. Please bring your own straps to drag the sled and let our staff know upon registration and prior to your start if you need them to be placed at the station.
The following table illustrates the sled push distance & weight for each adaptive division:
| Adaptive Division | Distance | Weight (Male/Female) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower limb impairment | 25 m | 102 kg / 75 kg |
| Upper limb impairment | 50 m | 152 kg / 102 kg |
| Short stature impairment | 25 m | 75 kg / empty sled |
| Visual/Hearing impairment | 50 m | 152 kg / 102 kg |
| Neurological (minor) impairment | 50 m | 102 kg / 75 kg |
| Neurological (major) impairment | 50 m | 75 kg / empty sled |
| Seated with hip function | 50 m | 75 kg / 75 kg |
| Seated without hip function | 25 m | 75 kg / 75 kg |
| Seated without core function | 25 m | empty sled / empty sled |
Sled Pull Distance & Weight (Adaptive Divisions)
Adaptive athletes use the same 12.5 m area as all other athletes for the sled pull.
- 25m = 1 down & back
- 50m = 2 down & backs
Lower Limb Impaired Athletes: Athlete can perform the sled pull seated or standing.
The following table illustrates the sled pull distance & weight for each adaptive division:
| Adaptive Division | Distance | Weight (Male/Female) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower limb impairment | 25 m | 103 kg / 78 kg |
| Upper limb impairment | 25 m | 103 kg / 78 kg |
| Short stature impairment | 25 m | 50 kg / empty sled |
| Visual/Hearing impairment | 50 m | 103 kg / 78 kg |
| Neurological (minor) impairment | 50 m | 75 kg / 50 kg |
| Neurological (major) impairment | 50 m | 50 kg / empty sled |
| Seated with hip function | 50 m | 50 kg / 50 kg |
| Seated without hip function | 25 m | 50 kg / 50 kg |
| Seated without core function | 25 m | empty sled / empty sled |
Burpee Broad Jump Distance & Modifications
Modifications for the burpee broad jumps are as follows:
- Seated/Wheelchair Athletes: 80m chair dip (90° elbow), followed by 2 wheel length push
- Seated Without Hip/Core Function: 80m back wheel balance
- Short Stature Athletes: 40m burpee broad jump
Athletes with impairments that limit or prevent jumping (e.g. use of crutches or walking aids), you will perform one of the following:
Either…
- 40m of: 2 in-place burpees/walkouts, followed by 4 steps with crutches, using 2, 3, or 4-point gait pattern –or–
- 80m of: 2 in-place burpees/walkouts, followed by 4 swings with crutches, using swing to or through-gait pattern
All other adaptive athletes will perform 80m of burpee broad jumps.
Row Distance (Adaptive Divisions)
- Seated/Wheelchair Athletes: The rower will be separated so that you can use it while seated. Please let the staff know prior to your start if you need additional weights to prevent your chair from moving.
The following table illustrates the row distance for each adaptive division: (they are the same as the ski)
| Adaptive Division | Row Distance |
|---|---|
| Lower limb impairment | 1000 m |
| Upper limb impairment | 1000 m |
| Short stature impairment | 500 m |
| Visual/Hearing impairment | 1000 m |
| Neurological impairment | 1000 m |
| Seated with hip function | 900 m |
| Seated without hip function | 800 m |
| Seated without core function | 500 m |
Farmer’s Carry Distance & Weight (Adaptive Divisions)
Seated/Wheelchair Athletes: Athlete places both kettlebells on their lap. HYROX will provide a lap mat.
Athletes with impairments that limit or prevent carrying two kettlebells…
- Athlete will carry a single kettlebell in one hand while using the crutch in the other hand to support mobility.
The following table illustrates the farmer’s carry distance & weight for each adaptive division:
| Adaptive Division | Distance | Weight (Male/Female) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower limb impairment | 200 m | 2 x 24/16 kg |
| Upper limb impairment | 200 m | 1 x 24/16 kg |
| Short stature impairment | 100 m | 1 x 24/16 kg |
| Visual/Hearing impairment | 200 m | 2 x 24/16 kg |
| Neurological (minor) impairment | 200 m | 1 x 24/16 kg |
| Neurological (major) impairment | 100 m | 2 x 24/16 kg |
| Seated with hip function | 200 m | 2 x 24/16 kg |
| Seated without hip function | 200 m | 2 x 24/16 kg |
| Seated without core function | 200 m | 2 x 24/16 kg |
Sandbag Lunge Distance & Weight (Adaptive Divisions)
- Seated With/Without Hip Function: 25m at 20/10 kg side sandbag lift & turnaround
- Seated Without Core Function: 25m at 10/5 kg side sandbag lift & turnaround
Athletes with impairments that limit or prevent independent knee bending, particularly those using crutches for walking…
- Athlete will place the sandbag on their shoulders while walking with crutches
The following table illustrates the sandbag lunge distance & weight for each adaptive division:
| Adaptive Division | Distance | Weight (Male/Female) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower limb impairment | 100 m | 20 kg / 10 kg |
| Upper limb impairment | 100 m | 20 kg / 10 kg |
| Short stature impairment | 50 m | 10 kg / 5 kg |
| Visual/Hearing impairment | 100 m | 20 kg / 10 kg |
| Neurological (minor) impairment | 100 m | 20 kg / 10 kg |
| Neurological (major) impairment | 50 m | 20 kg / 10 kg |
| Seated with hip function | 25 m | 20 kg / 10 kg |
| Seated without hip function | 25 m | 20 kg / 10 kg |
| Seated without core function | 25 m | 10 kg / 5 kg |
Wall Ball Weight & Target Height (Adaptive Divisions)
- Lower Limb & Neurological (Major): Athlete will be provided with a plyo box ~75cm in height to assist with stability while performing the squat movement
- Upper Limb & Visual Impaired: Athlete will perform wall balls by holding the ball and completing the squat movement without throwing the ball at the target.
The following table illustrates the wall ball reps, weight, and target height for each adaptive division. All numbers are listed as Male/Female.
| Adaptive Division | Reps | Weight | Target Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower limb impairment | 100/75 | 6 kg / 4 kg | 3,00 m / 2,70 m |
| Upper limb impairment | 100/75 | 4 kg / 2 kg | squat only |
| Short stature impairment | 50/35 | 4 kg / 2 kg | 2,20 m / 2,00 m |
| Hearing impairment | 100/75 | 6 kg / 4 kg | 3,00 m / 2,70 m |
| Visual impairment | 100/75 | 6 kg / 4 kg | squat only |
| Neurological (minor) impairment | 100/75 | 6 kg / 4 kg | 3,00 m / 2,70 m |
| Neurological (major) impairment | 100/75 | 4 kg / 2 kg | 3,00 m / 2,70 m |
| Seated with hip function | 75/50 | 4 kg / 2 kg | 2,20 m / 2,00 m |
| Seated without hip function | 65/35 | 4 kg / 2 kg | 2,20 m / 2,00 m |
| Seated without core function | 35/25 | 4 kg / 2 kg | 2,20 m / 2,00 m |
Special Equipment
HYROX will only provide standard race equipment & weights, with the exception of a lap mat for seated athletes during the farmer’s carry. Any additional equipment must be provided by the athlete.
Wrist Straps or Hooks
If you need to use additional gear, such as wrist straps, bands or hooks, that take extra time to attach in order to complete the station, please contact HYROX by email or at registration and let them know at which stations you’ll be using them. HYROX will deduct the handling time from your overall time.
Age Groups
The adaptive division age groups are the same as all individual HYROX categories. They start with 16-24, and then go up in 5-year increments, all the way to 85-59.
Signing Up
You sign up for the HYROX adaptive division in a similar way to how you signup for any HYROX division. However, there is a new category specifically for adaptive athletes. Choosing this category at signup will allow for you to denote your impairment so that you compete alongside others with the same impairment.
Not all HYROX races feature an adaptive division. If you don’t see an adaptive division listed for the race you’d like to compete in, contact the HYROX team in your region to see if they offer one.
World Championship
- The top 3 male & female athletes from each adaptive division will qualify for the World Championship
- There is no prize money for adaptive divisions
- HYROX reserves the right to hand out wildcards and invite other athletes to the World Championship at its discretion
Adaptive Rulebook
The HYROX adaptive rulebook can be downloaded from this page.
Admittedly, we are still learning more about the ins and outs of competing as an adaptive athlete. We’ve tried to summarize the public information as best as possible, but if you’re an adaptive athlete, or just have more information that can educate us further, or improve this article, please reach out to us on Instagram @fitnessexperiment.co.
Here’s the official announcement from @hyroxworld on Instagram:
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