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 “hard work and relentless,” he believes anyone can take part – all you need to do is “push yourself.” It sounds tough, but he insists it has its benefits: “You’ll meet amazing people, and you won’t regret it.”
How would you describe HYROX in your own words?
HYROX is a fitness race. It’s 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. It’s 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. I’ve always had a bit of an obsession with fitness and running, and there wasn’t anything like it before, so I naturally got into it. I genuinely can’t count how many I’ve done, but I’d say it’s around 50 times. I’ve 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. You’ll meet amazing people, and you won’t 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 you’re fuelled for every event, and also for your training. If you’re not fuelled properly, your training will suffer. HYROX is definitely my lifestyle right now. Whether it’s training, recovery, or travel, everything is focused on HYROX. I don’t 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, I’ve been working hard to qualify for the World Championships in the United States. I’m not there just yet, but that’s what I’m working towards. My next race will be the next major in Warsaw. After that, we’ll see what’s 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, it’s about fuelling properly with lots of carbohydrates and focusing on recovery. I still get nervous on race day, every race feels like there’s more pressure, so the nerves don’t 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, I’ve had multiple appearances, and it always feels like a “pinch me” moment every time I step into the spotlight.
I’ve 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.
