- 1:00:22
- 1:07:23
- 1:14:37
About the event
HYROX Essen on November 10, 2018, marks a milestone in HYROX Season 1 as the third German stop after Hamburg and Leipzig. With 379 participants in the covered Messe Essen arena, this event captivated with its intensity and budding fervor, laying the foundations for a globally accessible competition. Essen, at the heart of the industrial Ruhr, provided a raw urban backdrop that motivated runners to tackle 8 km of running and 8 functional stations in an electric atmosphere. Unique for its pioneering role, it saw talents emerge who foreshadowed future stars, with times sharpening global standards. This edition remains memorable for solidifying HYROX's essence: a standardized, indoor, and spectacular challenge in a city symbolizing working-class resilience turned fitness hub.
HYROX Essen 2018 Podium
Solo
Doubles
Plan your stay
Essen offers diverse, convenient hotel options for HYROX participants and spectators, centered around Messe Essen and the central district. Expect modern hotels across categories, from budget stays to 4-star spots with fitness centers and gyms ideal for pre-event training. Lodgings near the train station ease late arrivals, while repurposed industrial areas house stylish loft apartments. Participants will appreciate protein-packed breakfast buffets, wellness areas for post-race recovery, and free shuttles to the venue. Overall, the stay experience is seamless, affordable, and sport-focused, with warm Rhineland hospitality boosting motivation ahead of the big challenge.
Beyond HYROX Essen, explore Essen's rich heritage as former European Capital of Culture. Visit Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO site turned industrial museum and cultural center, for an immersion in the Ruhr's mining history. Stroll through Grugapark, a vast green oasis perfect for active recovery with trails, botanical gardens, and playgrounds. Art lovers will enjoy the Folkwang Museum showcasing masterpieces from Van Gogh to Picasso. For leisure, rent a bike to follow the Ruhrtalroute or catch a concert in Zollverein's repurposed halls. On the food front, savor local Currywurst—spicy sausage with fries—or hearty Rheinland Sauerbraten, a spice-marinated roast, paired with Ruhr beer to recharge athletes and spectators.
Race Info
To reach HYROX Essen, leverage Essen's excellent rail connections as a major Ruhr hub with direct trains from major German cities and nearby airports like Düsseldorf or Cologne. Flyers land easily then hop a quick train to the central station, minutes from the site. Use efficient public transport: trams and buses reach Messe Essen in 10-15 minutes, with handy day passes for exploring. Plan to arrive the day before for acclimation and early check-in, packing gear in carry-on. Park in secure on-site lots if driving, but expect event-day traffic. Seamless access lets you focus on performance, with bike or carpool options for eco-friendly travel.
Messe Essen
Norbertstraße 2, 45131 Essen, Germany
Frequently asked questions
Pro Men: Lukas Storath (GER) in 1:00:22.
Pro Women: Viktorija Jefimova (LTU) in 1:20:34.
Open Men: Matthias Bos (GER) in 1:14:46.
Open Women: Carina Bungard (GER) in 1:10:15.
The fastest Pro athletes finish a HYROX race in under an hour, top Open athletes between 1h and 1h15. The podium times for each division are shown above.