A rising Stratford HYROX athlete is putting the fast-growing fitness race on the map, breaking the British solo record just three years into his journey.
Sam Craig, a 34-year-old from Stratford-upon-Avon, achieved the record-breaking performance time of 53:59 at the HYROX event at Birmingham's NEC recently - which attracted more than 27,000 athletes across the weekend.
Sam trains exclusively at Stratford Leisure Centre, which is run by leisure operator Everyone Active on behalf of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, and has been part of the organisation's Sporting Champions scheme for two years.
It is a programme designed to help promising athletes access training facilities, mentoring and ongoing support as they progress in their chosen sport.
Sam's achievement marks one of the fastest HYROX Open times ever recorded globally, despite the category being open to athletes of all levels. His time ranks as the eighth-fastest Open result worldwide.
The competition combined 8km of running with eight functional workout stations, creating a comprehensive test of endurance and strength.
Sam, a father-of-one, said: "I'm not naturally gifted at sport - I grew up and enjoyed playing sports, games and swimming, but was terrible at athletics. HYROX was something I tried in 2022 and it's honestly been such a transformative part of my life. It's incredibly accessible, the community is brilliant and anyone can give it a go."
Before discovering HYROX, Sam worked as a full-time musician and found his way into triathlon where he built a strong fitness level. After time out during COVID, he sought a new challenge and found HYROX just as the sport was emerging in the UK.
"I'm 6ft2 so a bigger guy for endurance sports and often carry a bit of weight or certainly have done for a lot of my life. With HYROX, I thought it looked a bit of fun for someone that can do some running and likes going to the gym. I dived in without really knowing anything about it or having done any proper training for it and had a go,"
Sam added. "I've been working away at it for about three years now and to be honest, it's just been consistency. It really is the sport that returns for people who are willing to show up and put in the work daily."
Sam credits the support of Everyone Active and the Stratford community with helping him reach this milestone.
"I couldn't do this sport without access to the gym at Stratford Leisure Centre and I don't know what my training would look like if I wasn't part of the Sporting Champions scheme this year.
"Being able to come into a leisure centre with good equipment, and specifically, HYROX specific kit, such as the ski ERGs and all the strength facilities, makes it possible to do this sport properly in a good environment.
"But the main thing for me is the community there and within Stratford. It's one of those things that just completely changed the game, from training on your own in your garage or out on the roads on a soggy November morning."
HYROX combines eight 1km runs with eight functional workout stations, creating a mass-participation fitness race suitable for beginners through to elite competitors. The sport has grown rapidly across the UK, with demand rising for group classes and structured training.
Richard Bell, Everyone Active contract manager, said: "Sam's success is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through dedication, community support and the accessibility of HYROX training. We're incredibly proud to support him through our Sporting Champions scheme and he's become a real role model for both our members and the wider Stratford community."
HYROX sessions run at Stratford Leisure Centre and Sam hopes more local residents will give the sport a try.
Sam added: "HYROX is a really accessible sport for normal people with a job and a family. If you turn up, are consistent and measured, and set goals in these sports, you can go as far as you want to."
Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio said: "Sam's achievement is a fantastic example of what can happen when local talent is supported. HYROX is a growing sport, and we hope more local residents will take advantage of the excellent facilities and programmes available here in Stratford-upon-Avon. Through our partnership with Everyone Active, we aim to create inclusive spaces that support both elite athletes and the wider community in leading active lifestyles."
