this weekend, New Zealand witnessed an unprecedented surge in fitness enthusiasm as over 6,200 athletes competed in two major events: Hyrox and CrossFit. these competitions, held across the North and South Islands, drew thousands of spectators and showcased the growing popularity of functional fitness in the country.
Hyrox: A New Fitness Phenomenon
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The Hyrox event, hosted at the Auckland Showgrounds, marked the debut of this mass sport in New Zealand. With more than 6,000 participants, it quickly became a highlight of the weekend. Designed to test everyday human movements, Hyrox combines endurance and strength in a format that’s as social-media-friendly as it is physically demanding.
The race begins with 1,000 meters on a cross-country ski machine, followed by a series of challenges including sled pushes, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmers carries, lunges with a sandbag, and wall balls. Each station is separated by a one-kilometer run, ensuring a grueling yet exhilarating experiance.
What sets hyrox apart is its accessibility. It’s designed for athletes of all ages and abilities, making it a truly inclusive event. As one participant noted, “It’s not just about fitness; it’s about pushing your limits and celebrating what your body can do.”
CrossFit: A Test of Versatility
Meanwhile, the Southern Crown CrossFit competition saw nearly 200 athletes, including some from Australia, compete in same-sex pairs. Held at the Selwyn Sports Centre,this event tested a broader range of skills,including weightlifting,gymnastics,and even tire flips.
Unlike Hyrox, which follows a set format, CrossFit competitions vary their workouts, keeping athletes on their toes. This unpredictability is part of what makes CrossFit so challenging—and so rewarding.
Comparing Hyrox and CrossFit
While both sports emphasize functional fitness, endurance, and strength, they cater to slightly different audiences. Hyrox offers a standardized race format, making it ideal for those who enjoy consistency and measurable progress. CrossFit, on the other hand, appeals to athletes who thrive on variety and adaptability.
Here’s a swift comparison of the two events:
| Aspect | Hyrox | CrossFit |
|———————-|————————————|———————————-|
| Format | Standardized race | Varied workouts |
| focus | Endurance and strength | Functional fitness and versatility |
| Accessibility | inclusive for all abilities | Requires diverse skill set |
| Social Media Appeal | Designed for sharing | Less focused on social media |
The Vibe: Why Kiwis Are Hooked
so, what’s driving this fitness frenzy? For many, it’s the sense of community and the thrill of competition. “The energy at these events is electric,” said one spectator. “it’s inspiring to see so many people pushing themselves and supporting each other.”
Whether it’s the structured challenge of Hyrox or the unpredictable excitement of CrossFit, these events are more than just competitions—they’re celebrations of human potential.
If you’re ready to test your limits, check out the Hyrox 2024/25 event calendar to find a race near you. Or, if you’re up for a broader challenge, dive into the world of CrossFit and see what you’re capable of.
The fitness revolution is here, and New Zealand is leading the charge. Will you join the movement?
Hyrox and CrossFit Athletes Showcase Resilience and Community Spirit in Auckland
The Auckland Showgrounds recently played host to two of the most intense fitness competitions in New Zealand: Hyrox and CrossFit. Athletes from across the country gathered to push their limits, celebrate their recovery journeys, and revel in the camaraderie of the fitness community.
Dexter Buchanan: Embracing the Hyrox Challenge
Dexter Buchanan, a 32-year-old Men’s Pro Hyrox athlete, described the event as a “huge vibe.” With DJs spinning live music and athletes encouraging one another, the atmosphere was electric. “It’s so cool seeing everyone in Auckland getting amongst it,” he said.
Buchanan, who grew up just north of auckland and moved to Australia in 2016, brought his cricket and rugby league background to Hyrox. “I was just looking for something to push me and have a goal,like something to work towards,” he explained. “I’m pretty hooked on it now and I think it’s the combination of the strength training, gym work, and then the running as well.”
Hyrox events are known for being data-driven, allowing athletes to track their progress and improve their times. Buchanan, who came third in the Men’s Pro Division, said the race was incredibly close. “We all finished within 50 seconds of each other,” he noted.
!Karl Gui: A Testament to Resilience in CrossFit
For Karl Gui, a 46-year-old Masters CrossFit athlete, the Southern Crown competition marked his return to the sport after undergoing two hip replacements in October 2023. Gui, who has been involved in CrossFit for three years, credited his fitness for a smoother recovery. “I think [CrossFit] has helped. Before I had the surgery, I was already quite fit, so the recovery was shorter,” he said. Despite the challenges, Gui remained optimistic. “It’s been very, very difficult … but it’s still going well.” Gui’s competitive spirit and love for the community keep him motivated.”I’m quite a competitive person so competing is fun, also just hanging out with your friends and having fun,” he shared. “It keeps you fit, and you might get to live a bit longer.” Nineteen-year-old Alice Scott is another standout athlete in the CrossFit community. Her journey in the sport has been about gaining confidence and pushing her limits. Scott’s dedication to CrossFit highlights the transformative power of fitness, not just physically but mentally as well. !Key Takeaways from the Events
| Athlete | Sport | Achievement | Both Hyrox and CrossFit events emphasize the importance of community and personal growth. Whether it’s the data-driven approach of Hyrox or the resilience showcased by CrossFit athletes like Karl Gui, these competitions are more than just physical challenges—they’re celebrations of human spirit and determination. As Dexter Buchanan aptly put it,”It’s a huge vibe.” And for athletes like Karl Gui, it’s a reminder that health truly is wealth. Call to Action: The fitness world in New Zealand is buzzing with excitement as two major events—CrossFit’s Southern Crown and the inaugural Hyrox race—bring athletes and enthusiasts together. These competitions are not just about elite performance but also about community, empowerment, and pushing personal boundaries. at just 19 years old, Alice Scott is already making waves in the crossfit community. Competing in events like the international CrossFit Games and the Torian Pro, Scott has proven her mettle as an elite individual female athlete. But her journey didn’t start with CrossFit. “Originally, I did ski racing and then I just had to stay fit for ski racing during the summer. Then, yeah, I just fell in love with [CrossFit],” Scott shared. for Scott, CrossFit is more than just a sport—it’s a confidence booster. “I feel like the tough events that you struggle with are more rewarding than the ones that you would win as you know, you just proved to yourself that you can do certain things, even if it is indeed hard,” she said. The gym surroundings has also helped her grow personally. “It’s really easy to get along with everybody. It’s a competitive but non-judgmental environment,” she added. The Southern Crown event, held in Christchurch, is a testament to the power of community in CrossFit. Organizers Pete and Linda Fowler emphasized the importance of inclusivity. “We feel very connected to this community of people, not just the elite athletes … but it’s more about the wider community of athletes and their abilities,” Linda Fowler said. The event has inspired many to achieve what they once thought unachievable. “We see so many people feeling empowered and accomplished because they’re starting to do things they could never do before and never thought was possible,” she added. To encourage broader participation, the Fowlers expanded the divisions to include more Masters athletes. “Really trying to reach out to that greater community, to encourage everybody to come along,” Pete Fowler explained. Meanwhile, the first-ever Hyrox race in New Zealand has brought a fresh wave of excitement. Hyrox, often dubbed the “world series of fitness racing,” combines running with functional fitness stations, offering a unique challenge for participants. Mat Lock, Hyrox manager for Australia and New Zealand, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “From the racers to the judges, the spectators to our crew, everyone will feel the energy as we bring the world series of fitness racing to Aotearoa,” he said. The Auckland event attracted over 10,000 participants,showcasing the growing popularity of fitness racing in the region. | Aspect | CrossFit | Hyrox | Both CrossFit and Hyrox are redefining what it means to be fit in New Zealand.Whether it’s the camaraderie of CrossFit or the adrenaline of Hyrox, these events are inspiring people to push their limits and achieve their goals. For those looking to stay updated on the latest in fitness and beyond, sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday. As Alice scott puts it, “It’s about proving to yourself that you can do certain things, even if it is indeed hard.” And that’s a message that resonates with athletes and enthusiasts alike. Teh fitness world in New zealand is buzzing with excitement as two major events—CrossFit’s Southern Crown and the inaugural Hyrox race—bring athletes and enthusiasts together. These competitions are not just about elite performance but also about community, empowerment, and pushing personal boundaries. At just 19 years old, Alice Scott is already making waves in the crossfit community. Competing in events like the international CrossFit Games and the Torian Pro, Scott has proven her mettle as an elite individual female athlete. But her journey didn’t start with CrossFit. “Originally, I did ski racing and then I just had to stay fit for ski racing during the summer. Then, yeah, I just fell in love with CrossFit,” Scott shared. For Scott,CrossFit is more than just a sport—it’s a confidence booster. “I feel like the tough events that you struggle with are more rewarding than the ones that you would win as you know, you just proved to yourself that you can do certain things, even if it is indeed hard,” she said. The gym surroundings have also helped her grow personally. “It’s really easy to get along with everybody. It’s a competitive but non-judgmental environment,” she added. The Southern Crown event, held in Christchurch, is a testament to the power of community in CrossFit. organizers Pete and Linda Fowler emphasized the importance of inclusivity. “We feel very connected to this community of people, not just the elite athletes … but it’s more about the wider community of athletes and their abilities,” Linda Fowler said. The event has inspired many to achieve what they once thought unachievable. “We see so many people feeling empowered and accomplished as they’re starting to do things they could never do before and never thought was possible,” she added. To encourage broader participation, the Fowlers expanded the divisions to include more Masters athletes. “Really trying to reach out to that greater community, to encourage everybody to come along,” Pete Fowler explained. Meanwhile, the first-ever Hyrox race in New Zealand has brought a fresh wave of excitement. Hyrox, frequently enough dubbed the “world series of fitness racing,” combines running with functional fitness stations, offering a unique challenge for participants. Mat Lock, Hyrox manager for Australia and New Zealand, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “From the racers to the judges, the spectators to our crew, everyone will feel the energy as we bring the world series of fitness racing to Aotearoa,” he said. The Auckland event attracted over 10,000 participants, showcasing the growing popularity of fitness racing in the region.Alice scott: Building Confidence Through CrossFit
|———————–|———–|———————————————————————————|
| Dexter Buchanan | Hyrox | Third place in Men’s Pro Division, finished within 50 seconds of the top two |
| Karl Gui | CrossFit | Returned to competition after two hip replacements in October 2023 |
| Alice Scott | CrossFit | Building confidence and pushing limits in the sport | The Power of Community and Fitness
Inspired by these stories? Explore the world of Hyrox or join a CrossFit gym near you to start your own fitness journey today!CrossFit and hyrox: A New Era of Fitness Racing in New Zealand
Alice Scott: A Rising Star in crossfit
Southern Crown: Uniting the CrossFit Community
hyrox: A New Fitness Phenomenon
CrossFit vs. Hyrox: A Comparison
|———————-|—————————————|————————————|
| Focus | functional fitness, gymnastics, weightlifting | Running combined with functional fitness stations |
| Community | Inclusive, empowering | High-energy, competitive |
| Events | Southern Crown, CrossFit Games | Hyrox World Series |
| Participants | Elite athletes to beginners | Racers of all fitness levels | The Future of Fitness in New Zealand
CrossFit and Hyrox: A New Era of Fitness Racing in New Zealand
Alice Scott: A Rising Star in CrossFit
Southern Crown: Uniting the CrossFit Community
Hyrox: A New Fitness Phenomenon
CrossFit vs. Hyrox: A Comparison
| Aspect | CrossFit | Hyrox |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Functional fitness, gymnastics, weightlifting | Running combined with functional fitness stations |
| Community | Inclusive, empowering | High-energy, competitive |
| Events | Southern Crown, CrossFit Games | Hyrox World Series |
| Participants | Elite athletes to beginners | Racers of all fitness levels |
The Future of Fitness in New Zealand
Both CrossFit and Hyrox are redefining what it means to be fit in New zealand. Whether it’s the camaraderie of CrossFit or the adrenaline of Hyrox, these events are inspiring people to push their limits and achieve their goals.
For those looking to stay updated on the latest in fitness and beyond, sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
As Alice Scott puts it, “It’s about proving to yourself that you can do certain things, even if it is indeed hard.” And that’s a message that resonates with athletes and enthusiasts alike.
