World Triathlon Officially Approves Fitness Racing as New Discipline
At the World Triathlon Congress in Wollongong, Australia, 112 national federations voted to officially recognize Fitness Racing as a new discipline. The decision marks a historic milestone for the HYROX-style racing community.
In a landmark decision that will reshape the landscape of endurance sports, World Triathlon has officially approved Fitness Racing as a new discipline during its Congress held in Wollongong, Australia in October 2025. The vote, which saw 112 national federations cast their ballots, passed with overwhelming support.
Fitness Racing, modeled on the HYROX format that has attracted over 550,000 participants across more than 80 cities worldwide, combines running segments with functional fitness stations. The discipline bridges the gap between traditional triathlon and the rapidly growing functional fitness movement, creating a new category that World Triathlon believes will attract younger demographics to the sport.
The approval means that national federations can now formally develop Fitness Racing programs, certify coaches and officials, and organize sanctioned competitions under the World Triathlon umbrella. Several federations, including those from Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have already announced plans to integrate Fitness Racing into their 2026 competitive calendars.
"This is a pivotal moment for our sport," said World Triathlon President Marisol Casado. "By embracing Fitness Racing, we are acknowledging the evolution of endurance athletics and ensuring that World Triathlon remains at the forefront of multisport competition."
The move is expected to accelerate the growth of what many are calling Hytathlon — the convergence of HYROX and triathlon — and opens the door for potential inclusion in major multi-sport events in the future.
