What to bring to a HYROX race: the complete packing list

Most race-day stress comes from something small: a forgotten ID at check-in, an untested pair of shoes, a gel you've never tried. This is the checklist we'd hand a friend the night before their race, built around what the official 26/27 rulebook actually allows on the race floor. Pack the night before, tick everything off, and zip the bag.

The three things you can't race without

Forget anything else and you'll get by. Forget one of these and you may not start.

• Government-issued photo ID. Check-in asks for it, and you can't collect someone else's race pack for them.
• Your registration confirmation. On your phone is fine, but a screenshot saves you from bad venue Wi-Fi.
• Your start time. HYROX sends it a few days before the race. You'll need it on your arm during the race, so know where to find it.

At check-in you'll get your timing chip and ankle strap, your race number and a coloured wristband for your division and wave. The chip goes on your ankle, not your wrist or shoe. If you race without it, the result is recorded as Did Not Start.

What to wear on the race floor

• Closed-toe shoes you've already trained in. They're required for the whole race, except at the wall balls, where you're allowed to take them off. If you do, leave them under the rig and carry them to the finish yourself.
• Shorts or tights and a top you've done long sessions in. Chafing shows up around the 45-minute mark, not in a 20-minute gym session.
• A sports bra you've run and done burpees in.
• Socks that don't slip. Bring a spare pair for afterwards.

What you're allowed to race with

The rulebook lists exactly what you can use or wear. Anything else is prohibited unless the Race Director gives written permission before your start.

• Knee sleeves. Popular for the lunges and wall balls.
• Gloves, but not grips. Thin gloves help on the sled pull rope. Gymnastics-style grips are not allowed.
• A weightlifting belt.
• Wristbands, the sweat-absorbing kind.
• A hydration pack.
• Asthma inhalers or similar prescribed medication.
• Prescribed respiratory devices.

Whatever you start with, you finish with. You can't hand anything to a friend mid-race or take anything from them. That counts as outside assistance.

What about chalk, watches and music?

• Chalk: only the chalk HYROX provides, and only at the sled pull and the farmers carry. Bringing your own, carrying event chalk to another station, or using chalk at the wall balls is a 2-minute penalty.
• Sports watches: a watch isn't on the permitted list, and anything not listed is prohibited by default. Plenty of athletes ask, so if you want to race with one, check with your event's customer service before race day rather than at the start line.
• Headphones and phones: both are banned on the course. Your playlist stays in the bag.

Our full guide to what's not allowed at HYROX covers every banned item and the penalties.

Fuel and hydration

• Water bottle for the warm-up and the wait. Water is available on the course at least once per pass through the Roxzone, sometimes with a sports drink.
• Gels or chews you've used in training, if you want fuel during the race. You must carry them from the start. No one can hand you food or drink during the race, and used wrappers go in the bins, not on the floor. Littering is a 2-minute penalty.
• Pre-race snack, eaten 60–90 minutes before your wave: a banana, a rice cake, whatever your stomach knows.
• Electrolytes if you're racing somewhere hot or you sweat heavily.

The warm-up and waiting bag

Waves go off at regular intervals all day (often every 10 minutes), and you'll often wait longer than you expect.

• A warm layer (hoodie, track jacket or old sweatshirt) for the warm-up area and start pen. Expo halls can be cold first thing in the morning.
• A mini band or foam roller for activation. Most venues have a racers-only warm-up area with relevant equipment, but it gets busy.
• A small towel.
• Safety pins or race-number clips, in case your number needs fixing.
• Tape or plasters for hot spots on your hands from the sled rope.

Be at the start tunnel 10 minutes before your wave for the briefing. Racers who hang around in the tunnel after their wave has gone can get a 1-minute penalty.

For after the finish

• A full change of clothes, including dry socks and shoes. You'll be soaked.
• A recovery snack or protein drink.
• A bag for sweaty kit.
• A phone charger or power bank for photos, results and finding your friends.
• Flip-flops or slides for the changing rooms.

The bag drop is secure but HYROX doesn't accept responsibility for lost items, so leave valuables at home.

Doubles and relay extras

• Agree who carries the fuel. Each racer carries their own, and you can't pass things between partners from the crowd.
• Matching or easy-to-spot tops so you find each other in a crowded Roxzone.
• A plan for the stations, written on your hand or arm if that helps. In doubles, you run every lap together.

Printable checklist

• Photo ID
• Registration confirmation (screenshot)
• Race shoes (trained in)
• Shorts or tights, top, sports bra
• Socks plus a spare pair
• Gloves (optional, no grips)
• Knee sleeves or belt (optional)
• Gels or chews you'll carry
• Water bottle
• Pre-race snack
• Warm layer
• Towel
• Tape or plasters
• Change of clothes, slides
• Recovery snack
• Phone charger
• Bag for wet kit

FAQ

Can I wear gloves at HYROX?

Yes. Gloves are on the permitted list, but grips are not. Many racers use thin gloves for the sled pull rope and the farmers carry handles.

Can I bring my own chalk to HYROX?

No. Only the chalk HYROX provides is allowed, and only at the sled pull and the farmers carry. Using your own chalk, or using chalk at the wall balls, is a 2-minute penalty.

Can I wear headphones during a HYROX race?

No. Headphones, phones, body cameras and smart glasses are all banned on the course.

Can I carry my own gels?

Yes, as long as you carry them from the start. You can't take food or drink from anyone except the official aid stations, and wrappers must go in the bins.

Do I need my phone at the race?

You need your registration confirmation and ID at check-in, so it's handy before the race. Leave the phone in your bag drop while you race. Phones aren't allowed on the course.

Next steps

Read your first HYROX race for the full race-day walkthrough, check station weights for your division, and find the city guide for your race on the HYROX race calendar.