HPX — The Hunner Percent Race gets under way at Ayr’s Riverside Sports Arena today, bringing three days of racing and more than 1,000 competitors to the town.
Following the success of its inaugural event last year, HPX returns bigger than before, with children, teenagers, everyday fitness enthusiasts and some of Scotland’s leading hybrid racers preparing to take part.
The event is a hybrid fitness competition similar in style to HYROX, combining running and cardio machines with a series of functional fitness challenges.
Competitors will face exercises including sandbag lunges, burpees, wall-ball throws, box overs and dumbbell snatches.
However, organisers say HPX has been designed to welcome people of all fitness levels and abilities — not only elite athletes.
The No Regrets division allows competitors to adapt virtually every part of the race to suit their individual ability, including changes to the running sections where necessary.
For many participants, the challenge will not be about achieving the fastest time or securing a finishing position. Instead, the emphasis is on taking part, supporting one another and giving it “a hunner percent”.
The weekend begins with the Kids and Teens races from 6pm until 9pm, featuring young competitors aged between eight and 17.
Adult racing will then take place from 9am until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, with most competitors participating in pairs across a range of divisions and ability levels.
Some of Scotland’s fittest hybrid athletes will compete in the elite heats. These are scheduled for 3.15pm on Saturday and at 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Sunday.
HPX was established in memory of John Gilardi, with the event raising funds for Harbour Ayrshire and the John Gilardi Legacy.
Representatives from the organisations will be at Riverside Sports Arena throughout the weekend.
Spectators are welcome, with a recommended donation being collected for the charity. Children aged under 16 can attend free of charge.
There will also be activities for families, including face painting and entertainment for children.
Organisers are encouraging people to come along, whether they are competing, supporting a friend or family member, or simply interested in finding out more about hybrid fitness racing.
More than 1,000 participants — ranging from eight-year-old first-timers to elite athletes — are expected to come together for a weekend focused on fitness, community and an important cause.
