Hyrox fitness competition could bring ‘economic boost’ to Cardiff

According to economists, indoor fitness competitions could provide Cardiff with a “economic boost.”

High Rocks, a “Fitness Racing” event, will be held for three days between May 30th and June 1st, 2025.

The first event in Germany had 650 attendees, but Hyrox says it is currently dotted with 200,000 competitors around the world.

Economist Dylan Jones Evans said “tens of thousands” could visit the Welsh capital and participate in the event.

“The one I saw with Highlocks when I recently went to Glasgow was 40,000 people who went to cities that didn’t go to Glasgow,” he said.

“What we want to see here in Cardiff is tens of thousands of students who come here when they leave, so it’s a quiet time for the city and therefore gives financial boost when you didn’t expect such money to come to the shops or restaurants.”

Participants run 1km (0.62 miles) before completing one fitness exercise, including a standing ski machine, a 50m thread push and an 80m burpee jump.

Competitors (professional fitness enthusiasts or everyday fitness enthusiasts) repeat the process until they have eight runs and eight training sessions.

At the Gwaelod Y Garth Colosseo Gymnasium just outside Cardiff, some gym participants said they were already strengthening their training before the competition.

Mother-daughter duo Tracy Bennett, 44, and 15-year-old Grace, said it was an opportunity to improve fitness and spend time together.

“It’s like a completely different type of training than what I’m used to,” Grace said.

“It’s not only is it that we’re used to strength and conditioning, but we also really enjoy running and very intense cardio.”

Grace is too young to enter, but she encourages her mother to give it a try.

“I’m thinking so much right now because of Grace. Grace will wait until he turns 16 at the end of the year.

“I think she’s really encouraging me to give it a try. I’m the least competitive, so I just go and have fun,” Tracy said.

Lawrence Smith, who owns a gym in Barry and also presents content for Highlocks social media channels, said he thinks the event will be “huge” for the Welsh capital.

“You already have this really nice vibe of athlete racing,” she said.

“We’ll do it on the sacred lawn of Welsh Rugby Union, where we won a Grand Slam and lifted the trophy. You’re just in the middle of that stadium.”