Introduction: Two Ways to Race the Same Challenge
HYROX gives you a choice: face the course alone in the Singles division, or share the workload in Doubles.
Both follow the same format eight 1 km runs, eight functional workout stations but the experience couldn’t feel more different.
Choosing between the two isn’t about ego or ability; it’s about strategy, goals, and the type of athlete you want to be during the 2025/2026 Season.
“Doubles teaches teamwork. Singles tests self-reliance. Both demand relentless effort.” — RB100.Fitness
HYROX Singles: The Ultimate Individual Test
The Singles category is the original HYROX format you complete every station and run on your own.
Ideal for:
- Athletes with strong conditioning and pacing discipline
- Those training solo or focused on personal performance metrics
- Competitors aiming for leaderboard rankings or qualification goals
What to Expect:
- You’re responsible for every rep, every transition, every mistake.
- Mental toughness plays a huge role once fatigue sets in.
- The pacing challenge is managing energy output across the entire race.
Training Focus:
Singles athletes need complete balance between strength and endurance.
Follow a structured plan like HYROX Training Plan: 8 Weeks to Race Ready and maintain consistent simulation work.
Mindset:
Competing solo sharpens focus every second is your own responsibility.
You’ll learn more about yourself in one HYROX race than in months of training.
HYROX Doubles: Teamwork and Shared Strategy
The Doubles format allows two athletes to share all workout stations while running every kilometre together.
Each partner alternates the stations however they choose one may take the sled push, the other may handle the wall balls but both share the race clock.
Ideal for:
- Training partners or couples who enjoy collaboration
- Athletes new to HYROX looking to experience the race atmosphere
- Competitors testing pacing before moving to Singles
What to Expect:
- Shared intensity, shared recovery and shared accountability.
- You’ll push harder for your partner than you would alone.
- Communication and timing become as important as conditioning.
Key Strategy:
Plan who tackles each station before the event.
Split the high-power movements (sleds, wall balls) and divide endurance tasks evenly.
Efficient handovers save huge time.
See HYROX Categories Explained: Open, Pro, and Doubles for full division details.
Comparing HYROX Singles vs Doubles
| Aspect | Singles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| Workload | 100% individual | 50% shared (runs together) |
| Pacing Control | Self-managed | Team-based rhythm |
| Mental Demand | High | Moderate (shared focus) |
| Training Volume | Higher | Moderate |
| Average Race Time (Men) | 1:15–1:35 | 0:55–1:10 |
| Average Race Time (Women) | 1:25–1:45 | 1:05–1:25 |
| Best For | Experienced athletes | First-timers or social competitors |
“Doubles doesn’t mean easier it just means different. You push harder when someone’s depending on you.” — RB100.Fitness
Transition and Communication Tips for Doubles
- Tag Efficiently: One athlete finishes a station; the other starts the next within seconds.
- Run Together: Keep identical pacing on runs to avoid rhythm disruption.
- Motivate Verbally: Encourage your partner during fatigue phases.
- Pre-Assign Stations: Eliminate mid-race decisions that waste time.
Training suggestion: include partner-based circuits such as
(1 km run together + sled push/pull + 20 wall balls + 20 burpees each).
Progressing from Doubles to Singles
Many athletes start with Doubles to experience the format and build confidence before racing alone.
The shared workload allows you to feel the rhythm of the event while identifying areas for improvement.
After completing one or two doubles races:
- Analyse split data and heart rate.
- Identify the stations you managed well versus where you relied on your partner.
- Adjust training accordingly before stepping into Singles.
For year-round progression planning, see Periodisation for HYROX: Structuring Your Training Year.
Mindset Difference
Singles: Independence, pacing, and personal accountability.
Doubles: Communication, motivation, and shared flow.
Both require composure, focus and endurance just applied differently.
Ultimately, HYROX rewards those who prepare with intent, no matter the format.
“Singles tests your limits. Doubles teaches you teamwork. Both make you better.” — RB100.Fitness
Planning Your Season 2025/2026
With multiple HYROX events across the globe this season, you can easily plan both doubles and singles entries.
Many athletes compete in Doubles early (Autumn 2025) to build experience, then transition to Singles (Spring 2026) for peak performance.
Explore all events on the RB100 Fitness Racing Events Calendar and choose where to start your season.
Summary: Choose Challenge or Collaboration
Both formats share the same course, community, and purpose pushing you toward your best performance.
Whether you go solo or pair up, HYROX remains the ultimate hybrid benchmark of strength, endurance and mindset.
