Cover Hong Kong will host the Cigna Healthcare Hyrox Open Asian Championship. Gary Wan is the brains behind the competition in Asia (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Hong Kong will host the Cigna Healthcare Hyrox Open Asian Championship. Gary Wan is the brains behind the competition in Asia (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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The Cigna Healthcare Hyrox Open Asian Championship will take place from November 23 to 24. Tatler speaks to Gary Wan, the man behind the competition in Asia, about why it involves more than just fitness
Gary Wan, co-founder and managing director of the Hybrid Group, is no stranger to the world of fitness events. With over a decade of experience in organising sports and wellness activities, Gary Wan is now introducing the Hyrox competition—an indoor hybrid fitness racing event that alternates running with functional exercises—to Hong Kong. Known for pioneering events like the Spartan Race, the world’s number one obstacle run, in which participants wade through mud, crawl under barbed wire and toy with fire, and Iris: Your Escape, a yoga and wellness festival, Wan is set to once again redefine the fitness landscape in the city.
“I’ve always dreamt of hosting indoor events, especially in Asia, where weather is a crucial factor,” Wan says. His passion for fitness and community engagement led him to Hyrox, a unique competition designed for gym enthusiasts that began in 2017 in Germany. Imagining the concept would be popular in Asia, Wan reached out to Hyrox’s founders, Christian Toetzke and Moritz Fürste, and secured the licence to run the competition in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Above Gary Wan (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Gary Wan (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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Described as the “world series of fitness racing”, Hyrox operates through a standardised format that ensures fairness and global compatibility. “Each event consists of a one-kilometre run, followed by a functional workout station, repeated eight times.” The competition accommodates various fitness levels with categories like Pro, for the experienced racer; Open, for those seeking an achievable challenge; Doubles, for those who wish to share the workload; and Relay, which provides an opportunity for friends or family to race in teams of four. The competition is a race against yourself, rather than against others. Participants could take hours to complete it or finish in under an hour.
Hyrox’s appeal lies in its comprehensive challenge. “It tests strength, endurance, speed and mental toughness,” Wan says. The fact that it’s hosted in a stadium-like atmosphere enhances the experience for participants and spectators alike, contributing to the event’s popularity and growth. “When we bring Hyrox to a new city, we endeavour to find the most extraordinary venue there is and set up the best audio and visual effects, with an incredible DJ.”
The biggest takeaway for Wan is that the events foster a sense of community, with participants forming training groups and lasting friendships.
Above Gary Wan (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Gary Wan (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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The Cigna Healthcare Hyrox Open Asian Championship will take place at AsiaWorld-Expo on November 23 and 24. “We’re expecting over 2,000 international and 4,000 local racers,” Wan says. As the event’s inaugural Asian regional championship, and with an Elite Major race—where 15 top racers from all over the world will compete to qualify for the Elite 15 World Championship, a ranking of the world’s fastest male and female Hyrox athletes—the event promises a vibrant atmosphere.
But Wan’s vision extends beyond just local events. “The goal is to bring the sport to all major Asian cities within the next two years. We are already in Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei and Beijing—and coming next are Tokyo and Bangkok.” Globally, Hyrox aims for 150 to 170 events worldwide, with the goal of engaging a million participants annually.
Building the Hyrox brand in Asia isn’t without challenges, but the good thing, as Wan says, is that “Fitness is a global language.” By affiliating with local gyms and forming close-knit communities, Hyrox has been able to transcend cultural barriers.
Wan’s advice for newcomers? “Find a Hyrox Training Club, train consistently and celebrate your achievements. Then rally a team of supporters for race day. They can be a powerful motivator. You’ll be surprised at just how much a little encouragement can drive you, especially when you feel like giving up.”
Credits
Accessories: Zed Lee
Photography Assistant: Carlos Hui
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print, and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs, curating star-studded events and building the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
