Kenya hosted its first full HYROX-style fitness race simulation, with 140 athletes taking part in the inaugural FIRSTROX Experience at The Waterfront in Karen.
The event, organised by FirstPower Fitness in partnership with Nyumbani Fitness, brought together athletes for a gruelling combination of running and functional fitness stations designed to replicate the demands of international HYROX competitions.
Participants tackled an eight-kilometre run broken into eight one-kilometre sections, with each running segment followed by a functional workout station. The challenges included SkiErg, sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmer’s carry, lunges and a wall-ball finish.
Nyumbani Fitness founder Kevin said the response exceeded expectations, with organisers initially targeting about 100 competitors.
“We’ve had 140 athletes sign up. We were just expecting 100 athletes initially, as it was the first one, that was our target. So to have 140 shows, people are really hungry for this kind of event,” he said.
Kevin said the event was aimed at strengthening Kenya’s growing fitness community and creating a pathway for local athletes to compete internationally.
“We want to see our athletes compete internationally. We want to see these guys winning HYROX races overseas, and we want to see them also in CrossFit events overseas,” he said.
He described the inaugural competition as a success, saying organisers were encouraged by the positive reception from athletes.
The event also highlighted the growing appetite for hybrid fitness competitions in Kenya, with organisers indicating that more HYROX-style races could be held next year.
“Next year, I think we’re gonna host probably three more of these,” Kevin said, citing strong interest and requests for additional events.
He said the broader goal was to encourage more Kenyans to embrace physical activity and fitness.
“We want, honestly, we want to create a platform for people to move,” he said. “We need to get people moving as a country.”
Organisers said the successful turnout had demonstrated that Kenya has a growing pool of athletes ready for demanding hybrid fitness competitions.
