From gym routine to global race: Misha Prygunov’s first HYROX experience

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your workout routine — same machines, same reps, same playlists — it might be time to step onto a race floor. And not just any race: HYROX, the global fitness competition redefining how we challenge strength and endurance.

Written by Anna Koss

A seasoned writer & editor at StarFit. A former competitive figure skater and aerobics instructor. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her hiking or training for the next half-marathon.

Here Is Your Gift From StarFit

Elevate Your Fitness Skill with StarFit – Work Out Anytime, Anywhere! With promo code MEDIA get

🔥70% OFF to Your Membership🔥

Start training

Recently, StarFit founder and coach Misha Prygunov took on his first HYROX race. Spoiler: it nearly broke him — and he loved every second of it.

What is HYROX?

HYROX is a hybrid competition combining endurance running with functional strength movements— think CrossFit meets a marathon, but more structured and race-oriented.

One of the exercises on HYROX is “Rowing”.Source:Freepik

HYROX is not an acronym— it’s a brand name created specifically for a global fitness racing format. The name was designed to be unique, memorable, and international, much like Spartan Race or Ironman.

There is no official breakdownof the word (e.g., what each letter stands for). However, in the fitness community, people sometimes play with the sound of the name:

• "HY" is often associated with high-intensity

• "ROX" sounds like rocks (slang for something intense or awesome)

The format?

• 8 × 1K runs

• 8 functional workouts in between

You’ll push sleds, row, slam medicine balls, do burpee broad jumps, and haul sandbags — all while tracking your time down to the second with a professional race chip.

You can sign up as:

• Solo**(Open or Pro)**

• Doubles(you and a partner share the workout load)

• Relay (a team of four splits the full race)

And the best part? It’s the same setup worldwide — whether you’re racing in Miami or Milan, your results are comparable.

Enter: Misha and his HYROX debut

In his video “My First HYROX: Brutal But Worth It”, Misha talks about competing in the Men’s Doubles division with his teammate Andrey.

They trained in Dubai, found each other through a shared love of functional fitness, and signed up almost on a whim.

Quote from coach Mikhail Prygunov.Source: StarFit

Here’s what stood out from their race:

What they faced

• Sled Push (152 kg / 335 lbs) – “Our legs were shaking after every 10 meters.”

• SkiErg and Rowing (1,000 meters each) – “You get just enough rest to make it worse.”

• Farmers Carry (2 × 24 kg kettlebells) – “Weirdly satisfying — like you’re flying once you drop the weights.”

• L****unges with Sandbag (20 kg)–“The rule is: don’t drop the bag. It gets real technical, real quick.”

• Wall Balls (100 reps) – “The last station. All heart and lungs.”

**Finish Time:**1:11:51

8th place in age group (40–49)

And no penalties — thanks to consistent prep and strategy.

How CRACE compares

For those new to the fitness race scene, CRACE is a smaller-scale race format popular in Eastern Europe. It’s often used as an entry point for beginners:

• Shorter runs (400–800 meters)

• Simplified workouts

• Lower entry threshold

• No standardized international leaderboard (yet)

CRACE is a brand name, not an acronym — it doesn't have an official breakdown.

However, within the community, people often interpret it informally as a blend of:

• C— possibly standing for Challenge,Community, or Cross

• RACE— clearly referencing the competitive format

So, CRACE = a new kind of race, designed to be accessible, dynamic, and community-driven.

Feature	HYROX	CRACE
Race Length	8K + 8 stations	~3–5K + 5–6 simplified stations
Intensity	High, competitive	Medium, accessible
Global Ranking	Yes	No
Training Value	High (structured progression)	Introductory, great for first timers

Why it’s worth it (even if you’re not a pro)

Misha admits it: he’s not a marathoner. But the energy, the crowd, the structure — it pulled him in.

Quote from coach Mikhail Prygunov.Source: StarFit

He’s already signed up for his next HYROX in Hong Kong, solo, in the Pro division. Just to test his limits.

Here’s what stood out for him:

• It’s inclusive— people of all fitness levels were racing side by side

• It’s motivating— being timed, challenged, and cheered on lights a fire

• It’s scalable — you can train specifically for this, with clear benchmarks

• It’s addictive — “We crossed the finish line and said: we want more”

Final thoughts: it’s not about winning — it’s about showing up

You don’t have to be fast. You don’t have to be shredded. You just have to start.

Quote from coach Mikhail Prygunov.Source: StarFit

Whether you try HYROX, CRACE, or any other functional race format, one thing’s for sure: it’s a reminder of what your body can do — and what your mind can push through.

Ready to crush HYROX? Train smarter with Full Body HIIT.

How do I prepare for a HYROX race?

Preparing for HYROX involves a combination of training focused on building endurance and strength. It’s recommended to work with a coach who specializes in HYROX race preparation. You can also find training tips and structured programs on the official HYROX website: https://hyrox.com

Where do HYROX races take place, and how can I register?

HYROX races are held around the world, with more than 80 events expected in 2025. To register, visit the official HYROX website: https://hyrox.com, where you’ll find upcoming event dates and registration options.

Are there any nutrition recommendations before a HYROX race?

Yes, proper nutrition before race day is important for energy and endurance. It’s advised to consume carbohydrates a few hours before the start and to maintain optimal hydration leading up to and during the event.