Confused about HYROX divisions? You’re not alone. Open, Pro, Doubles, Relay — each has different weights, different rules, and suits different athletes. This guide explains every HYROX division clearly so you can enter the right category for your first race.
HYROX Division Overview
Every HYROX race offers multiple divisions — different categories based on experience, weight, and whether you’re racing solo or with others. All divisions complete the same format: 8 x 1km runs alternating with 8 workout stations. What changes is the station weight, some movement standards, and the competitive context. HYROX can adjust station weights between seasons, so always confirm the current standards on the official HYROX website.
Individual Divisions
Open Individual
The standard HYROX division. Designed for all fitness levels — from complete beginners to experienced athletes chasing competitive times. No qualification required. This is where over 90% of HYROX athletes compete.
| Station | Men’s Open | Women’s Open |
|---|---|---|
| SkiErg | 1,000m | 1,000m |
| Sled Push | 152kg | 102kg |
| Sled Pull | 103kg | 78kg |
| Burpee Broad Jumps | 80m | 80m |
| Rowing | 1,000m | 1,000m |
| Farmers Carry | 2 x 24kg | 2 x 16kg |
| Sandbag Lunges | 20kg | 10kg |
| Wall Balls | 6kg to 10ft target | 4kg to 9ft target |
No time cap in Open — you can take as long as you need. The 98%+ finish rate reflects this. Average finish time: 80–100 minutes for first-timers.
Pro Individual
The Pro division is for experienced HYROX athletes looking for a more demanding challenge. Heavier station weights throughout, and a more competitive field. No formal qualification is required to enter Pro, but most athletes who race Pro have completed multiple Open races first.
| Station | Men’s Pro | Women’s Pro |
|---|---|---|
| SkiErg | 1,000m | 1,000m |
| Sled Push | 175kg | 125kg |
| Sled Pull | 125kg | 100kg |
| Burpee Broad Jumps | 80m | 80m |
| Rowing | 1,000m | 1,000m |
| Farmers Carry | 2 x 32kg | 2 x 24kg |
| Sandbag Lunges | 30kg | 20kg |
| Wall Balls | 9kg to 10ft target | 6kg to 9ft target |
The sled weights in Pro are significantly heavier — the men’s sled push increases from 152kg to 175kg. Combined with heavier carries and lunges, the Pro division is substantially more demanding. Top Pro athletes finish in 60–75 minutes.
Elite 15
The Elite 15 is an invitation-only final heat at select HYROX events including the World Championships. The 15 fastest athletes from the Pro division leaderboard compete head-to-head in a live broadcast final. This is HYROX at its most competitive — athletes like Hunter McIntyre and Megan Jacoby competing for prize money and world records.
Elite 15 qualification comes from consistently fast Pro division results throughout the season. Not something to think about for your first race.
Team Divisions
Doubles
Two athletes complete the race together, sharing all station reps. The pair runs all 1km intervals together, then at each station they split the required work however they choose — one athlete can do all the reps, or they can alternate.
Station weights for Doubles: Same as Open Individual.
Doubles is a popular entry point for nervous first-timers — having a partner alongside you for every km run and every station is genuinely motivating. Finish times are typically faster than individual Open because the shared station work means you’re fresher for each run. For how to split stations, pace together and nail your transitions, see our complete guide to HYROX Doubles.
Mixed Doubles pairs are also available — one male and one female athlete. Weights use the women’s Open standard.
Relay (Team of 4)
Four athletes split the 8 stations between them — each athlete takes 2 stations plus the 2 runs surrounding those stations. Individual athletes run only 2km and complete 2 stations each, making the total physical demand much lower than any individual division.
Relay is ideal for corporate teams, groups of friends with mixed fitness levels, or anyone who wants to experience a HYROX event without the full individual race commitment. It’s the most social HYROX format.
Age Group Categories
Within the Open and Pro Individual divisions, athletes compete in age groups:
| Age Group | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Open/Pro | Under 40 (no age group designation) |
| Masters 40 | 40–49 |
| Masters 50 | 50–59 |
| Masters 60 | 60+ |
Age groups are ranked separately within the overall results. So even if you’re not competing for an overall podium, you’re always competing against athletes your own age — and those rankings appear on the official HYROX leaderboard.
How to Choose Your Division
| Situation | Recommended Division |
|---|---|
| First HYROX race, any fitness level | Open Individual |
| First race, nervous about it | Open Doubles — race with a friend |
| Group of 4, mixed fitness levels | Relay |
| Completed 2+ Open races, strong times | Consider Pro Individual |
| Want age-group competition | Open or Pro — age groups automatic |
| Training partner of similar level | Open Doubles |
Open vs Pro: How Do You Know When to Move Up?
There’s no official requirement to race Open before entering Pro. But practically, most athletes are ready to consider Pro when:
- They’ve completed at least 2–3 Open races
- Their Open finish time is under 70–75 minutes for men or 75–85 minutes for women
- Station weights feel manageable rather than maximal
- They’ve trained specifically with Pro-weight station loads
Don’t rush the jump to Pro. Many competitive athletes race Open for years and focus on improving their time rather than moving divisions. A 65-minute Open finish is a genuinely elite result — faster than the vast majority of HYROX participants worldwide.
What is a Good HYROX Finish Time?
Context matters a lot for HYROX times. Here’s how to benchmark yourself:
| Level | Men’s Open | Women’s Open |
|---|---|---|
| Elite competitive | Under 65 min | Under 72 min |
| Strong recreational | 65–75 min | 72–85 min |
| Average recreational | 75–90 min | 85–100 min |
| First-timer target | Sub-100 min | Sub-110 min |
| Completion goal | Any finish time | Any finish time |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch divisions after registering?
This depends on the event and how close to race day it is. Contact HYROX customer support for your specific event — they can advise on division transfers, though availability isn’t guaranteed.
Do I get ranked differently based on age?
Yes. Results show both your overall ranking within your division and your age group ranking. Both appear on the official HYROX results platform.
Are Doubles weights the same as Open?
Yes — Doubles uses Open Individual weights. The difference is the two athletes share all station reps between them.
Can a man and woman race as Doubles?
Yes — Mixed Doubles is a recognised HYROX category. Mixed Doubles uses women’s Open weights.
Is there a minimum age for HYROX?
Athletes must be at least 16 years old to compete in standard HYROX events. HYROX Youngstars is a separate format for athletes aged 8–15.
What if I don’t finish a station?
You must complete the full distance or rep count for each station before moving to the next 1km run. There are no shortcuts — judges at each station confirm completion. In the Open division, there’s no time cap, so you can rest and continue.
