Jake Dearden might not be a name you instantly recognise, but in the HYROX world, a global fitness competition that has taken off in recent years, he is not one to be missed. Since being encouraged to take part four years ago by a friend, he has gone on to compete in 44 races across nearly 20 cities worldwide.
Jake Dearden at the Red Bull Night Shift Olympia London earlier this week
Despite his hectic schedule, he took time to speak with HELLO! just days after finishing fifth at the HYROX EMEA Championships 2026, held in London this March.
Jake Dearden competing during the Hyrox World Championship in Chicago, USA on June 12, 2025
While Jake describes HYROX as āhard work and relentless,ā he believes anyone can take part ā all you need to do is āpush yourself.ā It sounds tough, but he insists it has its benefits: āYouāll meet amazing people, and you wonāt regret it.ā
How would you describe HYROX in your own words?
HYROX is a fitness race. Itās the same workout every time, and you get a time at the end. The obsession is trying to beat that time over and over again. Itās all about discipline, hard work, and relentlessness.
When did you first hear about HYROX and what made you decide to take part?
I first heard of HYROX in 2022. One of my friends told me about it and said how amazing it was. Iāve always had a bit of an obsession with fitness and running, and there wasnāt anything like it before, so I naturally got into it. I genuinely canāt count how many Iāve done, but Iād say itās around 50 times. Iāve never really see myself stopping.
Do you think anyone can take part in HYROX?
I think anyone can take part, especially if you give yourself around 8 to 12 weeks of training. Just push yourself to be better. Sign up and try a HYROX class at your local gym. Youāll meet amazing people, and you wonāt regret it.
How do you prepare for a HYROX event, or has it become your lifestyle now?
Nutrition is huge when it comes to HYROX. You need to make sure youāre fuelled for every event, and also for your training. If youāre not fuelled properly, your training will suffer. HYROX is definitely my lifestyle right now. Whether itās training, recovery, or travel, everything is focused on HYROX. I donāt really do anything else.
What have you achieved so far this year, and what are your goals for the rest of the year?
At the start of the year, my doubles partner and I won a major, so we were champions of that. Since then, Iāve been working hard to qualify for the World Championships in the United States. Iām not there just yet, but thatās what Iām working towards. My next race will be the next major in Warsaw. After that, weāll see whatās next.
What does your race day look like in terms of nutrition and routine?
Race times are usually later in the day, so the focus is on resting, mobilising, and stretching. Nutrition-wise, itās about fuelling properly with lots of carbohydrates and focusing on recovery. I still get nervous on race day, every race feels like thereās more pressure, so the nerves donāt go away.
What has been the best part of your HYROX journey so far?
Winning the World Championships in doubles in Leeds in 2024 is my best moment. Since then, Iāve had multiple appearances, and it always feels like a āpinch meā moment every time I step into the spotlight.Ā
Iāve competed all over the world and feel very lucky. Some of my favourite places are Berlin and New York, but London definitely tops them. The energy of the crowd makes it special.
