Key Updates for Hamburg Major
* All 15 Elite 15 spots in Singles and Doubles (Men & Women) will be filled
* Dedicated race hall with improved spectator setup
* Race times: Women 4:00 PM, Men 7:00 PM (Friday Singles, Saturday Doubles)
* Mandatory body tattoos for men (chest and back placement)
* Coaches Zone introduced with strict nomination and conduct rules
* Athlete License deadline: 9:00 AM CET, 25 September 2025

As HYROX prepares for the first Major of the 2025/26 season in Hamburg, athletes were sent a series of updates outlining key changes and expectations. Here are the confirmed details.

Elite 15 Rosters Will Be Filled

HYROX confirmed that all 15 spots in the Elite 15 Singles and Doubles, both Men and Women, will be filled for Hamburg. Roll downs will be used as needed, and athletes ranked just outside the Top 15 will be contacted in case of withdrawals. After Maastricht concludes, results will be ratified and invitations sent with a 24-hour confirmation deadline.

The email to athletes stated: “Regardless of what you might have seen on IG, we will roll down as many places as necessary to ensure all 15 lanes on the grid in both Singles and Doubles are filled at Hamburg.”

While this clarification was shared directly with athletes, it is unclear why the earlier information posted on HYROX’s official Instagram channel was not corrected.

Dedicated Race Setup

The Elite 15 races in Hamburg will take place in a dedicated hall at the venue. HYROX emphasized to athletes that the course design team has been “working overtime” to create a setup built specifically for the Elite 15.

Spectator opportunities are expected to be far stronger than in previous seasons. The separate hall is designed to give fans better views, more space, and a clearer chance to follow the action without interference from other divisions on the main race floor.

HYROX promised more specifics on the course design soon, but confirmed that Hamburg will be one of the most spectator-friendly Major events to date.5.

Race Schedule

HYROX confirmed the following timetable for Hamburg:

• Friday – Elite 15 Singles
  • Women: 4:00 PM CET
  • Men: 7:00 PM CET
• Saturday – Elite 15 Doubles
  • Women: 4:00 PM CET
  • Men: 7:00 PM CET

In the athlete email, HYROX explained: “This will mean that more spectators have the chance to watch more of the racing, you all get to start a little earlier and we have more time in between the races to shine a light on what just happened, and what’s coming up.”

Mandatory Body Tattoos for Men

HYROX is introducing mandatory body tattoos for all male athletes at Hamburg. These tattoos are designed to make athlete names and nationalities visible even if shirts are removed before the race.

Placement is required in two spots:

• Right chest
• Center of the back between the shoulder blades

The athlete email stated: “The use of these, and the placement locations are mandatory regardless of whether you plan to remove your shirt or not. A check of body tattoo placements will be made prior to your walk in. If they are not in position you will not be permitted to race.”

HYROX also confirmed: “They do not change the opportunities you have for other brand body tattoos. You still have the same amount of space available.”

The organization described this as a way to improve broadcast and photo coverage, calling it “personal branding magic.”

Coaches Zone

For the first time, HYROX will introduce a Coaches Zone at the Hamburg Major. This was a request from the Elite Working Group and is being implemented on a trial basis.

The zone is an L-shaped area that runs along one side of the grid and along the wall ball station. It will give coaches a closer view of the action and the ability to provide verbal support only.

HYROX stressed: “No outside assistance is permitted as per the rulebook. Only appropriate verbal support to their designated athlete is permitted.”

To enforce the rules, cameras and a dedicated chaperone will monitor the zone at all times.

Key Rules for the Coaches Zone

• Nominations: Each athlete may nominate one coach. The same coach must be used for both Singles and Doubles. Once submitted, no substitutions are permitted.
• No Media Access: Photographers, videographers, or anyone associated with media or social media are not eligible to be nominated. “Nominations that include anyone who is known to be part of any media or social media publication or production will not be accepted.”
• Accountability: Athletes are fully responsible for their coach’s behavior. Any violation by the coach will result in time penalties (15-second increments) or disqualification for the athlete.
• Conduct Agreement: Both athletes and coaches must sign a “Rules of Conduct” agreement when collecting their accreditation.
• Arrival: Coaches must enter with the chaperone at the designated time. Late arrival means forfeiting access to the zone for that race.
• Restrictions: No bags of any kind are allowed. Coaches may bring a water bottle for personal use, but no refills are available inside the zone. No food is permitted.
• Movement: Once inside, there is no re-entry. Restrooms are not available in the zone, and emergency exits will mean forfeiting access for the rest of the day.
• Dress Code:
  • No headwear (caps, headbands).
  • Tops and bottoms cannot feature additional partner branding outside of the apparel brand.
  • Accessories such as wristbands, socks, and shoes are the athlete’s choice but must follow the same branding rules.
• Communication: Coaches may not address judges or race directors. Mobile phones can only be used to track live data feeds, not for filming or photography.

HYROX will also create WhatsApp broadcast groups for nominated coaches during race week to handle logistics and updates.

Athlete License Reminder

HYROX reminded all athletes that they must complete their Athlete License for the season in order to compete at Hamburg.

The deadline is 9:00 AM CET on 25 September 2025.

From the athlete email: “You will need to submit your request no later than 7 days before the Hamburg event if you’re qualified and planning to race. Failure to do so will forfeit your qualification and your spot will roll down.”

Any athlete who has not completed the license process by that deadline will lose their place, and the next eligible athlete will be invited to take the spot.

Additional Notes from HYROX

HYROX added further context about the lead-up to Hamburg and upcoming events.

Because Maastricht was made a qualifier by exception, there are only 13 days between the end of Maastricht and the Hamburg Major. HYROX asked for athlete cooperation to make the confirmation and roll down process move quickly. For Singles, the Top 15 athletes and ranks 16 to 19 will receive the confirmation link. For Doubles, the Top 30 pairs will receive the form, with roll downs expected due to team changes. All athletes will have 24 hours to complete the form or their spot will roll down permanently.

In a postscript, HYROX also noted that the Race Direction team has been doubled for Maastricht to reduce congestion issues seen in previous qualifiers. Adjustments to the floor plan have been made to improve flow, including at the burpee broad jumps. HYROX joked that the “Fast Lane Police” will be deployed to ensure compliance, referencing online commentary from the Perth race.