We’ve definitely noticed the community it builds’ – The Irish Times

The Irish-founded hybrid fitness event Tryka is seeing a sharp rise in participation, with organizers expecting 9,500 athletes and 20,000 total attendees at their upcoming July event at the RDS. The series, which combines strength training and cardiovascular exercise, has gained traction among recreational fitness enthusiasts by offering a more community-focused, less intimidating alternative to established international formats like Hyrox.

Did You Know? The name “Tryka” was chosen to emphasize the “trier” over the winner, with the suffix “ka” added to represent a spiritual dimension of peace and harmony.

How Hybrid Fitness is Evolving

Hybrid fitness combines strength and cardio exercises into a single, cohesive training routine. While this training style has existed for decades, its transition into competitive, gamified event formats has significantly broadened its appeal, according to Josh Percival, co-founder of the Three State gym. CrossFit, founded in 2000, is widely considered the pioneer of this trend, though newer entrants like Tryka and Athx are now shaping the market with distinct event structures.

The rise of these events is changing how people spend their leisure time, with an increasing shift away from traditional social settings toward active, group-based fitness environments. This trend is further supported by the proliferation of local run clubs and gym-based community events, which provide participants with social interaction alongside physical challenges.

The Shift Toward Community-Based Competition

Tryka was founded by Brian Lee, who previously co-founded the salad chain Chopped. Drawing on his experience as a professional-level Hyrox competitor, Lee identified a gap in the market for events that prioritize community participation over a high-pressure, “men’s tops off” competitive environment. Current data shows that 65 to 70 percent of Tryka’s participants are women.

For many, like 44-year-old clinical psychologist Sarah O’Byrne, these events provide the accountability needed to maintain a consistent training schedule. After battling thyroid cancer in 2024 and undergoing two surgeries and radiotherapy, O’Byrne used training for the Tryka July event as a benchmark for her recovery. She notes that the event structure, which uses 500m runs rather than the longer distances found in other series, made the goal feel achievable for a beginner.

What May Happen Next

As the hybrid fitness market continues to grow, analysts and gym owners expect the demand for inclusive, local-level competitions to rise. Tryka is already expanding its footprint, with a debut event in London scheduled for September and Birmingham planned for next year. Meanwhile, gyms like The Stables in Co Wexford are already looking toward international expansion, with members booking spots for a grand final in Lisbon this October.

Industry observers suggest that the success of these events is likely to encourage more gyms to adopt internal “simulated” events to keep members engaged. Because these competitions allow participants of all abilities to contribute points to a collective score, they serve as a powerful tool for member retention and community building.

Expert Insight: The success of hybrid fitness events highlights a shift in consumer behavior toward “social fitness.” By gamifying the combination of strength and cardio, organizers are successfully replacing the isolation of traditional gym workouts with the accountability of a team sport. This model effectively lowers the barrier to entry for casual athletes while maintaining the rigorous physical standards necessary for long-term health, creating a sustainable growth cycle for the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Tryka and other hybrid fitness events?
According to founder Brian Lee and participants, Tryka features shorter running distances—specifically 500m intervals—and is designed to be more community-focused and less intimidating for casual participants compared to other series like Hyrox.

Who is the primary demographic for Tryka events?
The majority of participants are women, who currently make up 65 to 70 percent of all entrants.

How do gyms participate in the Tryka league?
Gyms and workplaces earn points based on the number of participants and their respective performances in events. High-performing gyms, such as The Stables in Co Wexford, utilize these events to foster community and encourage members to compete in multiple categories to maximize their team points.

What motivates you to choose a specific fitness challenge, and does the presence of a community environment influence that decision?