The dangerous side of the latest global fitness craze Hyrox you don't see on Instagram

It's the new in workout event for chiselled twentysomethings across the globe, but beneath the glamour and high-octane excitement of Hyrox, there may be a dangerous reality. The event sees fitness fanatics complete a gruelling workout regime against the clock; while also providing the perfect backdrop for influencers to take selfies for social media. Hyrox combines running and functional workout stations, where participants, including celebrity clientele like Zoe Hague and Love Island's Molly Smith, run 1km, followed by a functional workout station, repeated eight times.

The competition, which launched in Germany in 2017, bills itself as the fastest-growing of its kind in the world, with events now spanning across 11 countries, including the UK, America, and Shanghai. But despite building up an army of formidable spandex clad supporters raving about the fitness cult, a glamorous marketing campaign, and thousands of TikToks filmed at the event, there is an unspoken and potentially fatal downside.

Attendees have suffered from heart attacks, seizures, and panic attacks during or shortly after taking part - but, as such medical emergencies don't make for appealing social media content, they are often glossed over in TikTok clips and Instagram reels. As such, many are totally unaware of the potentially harmful consequences. The race takes place inside an expansive hall, where spectators can observe those competing - and it is a competitive sport, with global leaderboards totting up results  for World Championships at the end of each race season.

It's branded for everybody, or more specifically as a 'race for every body' - supposedly accommodating people at all levels, from professional athletes to everyday people looking to improve their fitness abilities. Hyrox has attracted over 90,000 athletes, according to its website, but the glamorous racecourse comes with possible health risks. (Pictured: Andy Whelan who suffered a heart attack at Hyrox Manchester).

'[Hyrox is] designed to accommodate all participants and 99 per cent of our athletes reach the finish line,' the website reads. Prospective participants can complete a questionnaire to determine the Hyrox race that will be the best fit for them, with questions asking basics, such as the distance one feels comfortable running. The answers lead to a race recommendation, suggesting one of the four options - open, which is a standard race, pro - for the experience racer, doubles, which allows partakers to split the task in two, or the relay team, dividing the task in four.

Case studies on the website further reinforce Hyrox's 'accessible' pillar, for instance, 'Marcus Ellwell, a 40-year-old father of three, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2021. 'After undergoing emergency surgery to remove the tumour, Marcus had lost the ability to even lift a spoon to his mouth and faced life in a wheelchair. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Marcus determinedly taught himself to walk again, and in October 2022, competed in Men's Doubles at HYROX Birmingham.

'Marcus entered Hyrox to have a goal to look forward to and work towards during his ongoing battle. Since his race, he has now found a new sport, a new community and a new passion.'. Lara Bardelli (pictured) had a panic attack when completing a Hyrox course in Glasgow, despite being 'well trained'. Love Island's Molly Smith (pictured) shared a glamorous photograph of herself during a Hyrox event. TikTok influencer Emily (pictured) warned her followers that the Hyrox aftermath is 'not for the faint hearted'.

There's no doubt that Marcus' story is inspirational and impressive, but others warn of a different experience. Fitness fanatic Ashley Whelan suffered a heart attack moments after completing his first Hyrox event, after mistaking his symptoms for 'race day nerves'. The avid gym-goer, 37, had been training for months to compete in the fitness phenomenon in November last year. He had been interested in fitness since his late teens, competing in Muay Thai boxing events in recent years, and was excited to challenge himself further with the competition.

However, on race day the site manager said he 'didn't feel right' but put the strange feeling down to 'race day nerves' because it was his first Hyrox. Ashley, who lives in Manchester, grew more concerned when his heart race sky-rocketed to 220 bpm while completing his last lap. After finishing the race, he began experiencing sharp pains across his chest, arms and back, prompting him to be checked over by the on-site paramedics.

However, an ECG test revealed that Ashley was in the middle of a heart attack and required urgent care. Hyrox has attracted a slew of famous faces, including Molly Mae Hague's sister, Zoe (pictured left). Pictured: Ashley Whelan, 37, competing a circuit at a Hyrox competition in Manchester in November. Ashley was rushed to hospital where doctors discovered a blockage in his left coronary artery - and were forced to shock him with a defibrillator when his heart began beating irregularly.