More than 1,000 competitors are expected at Ayr’s Riverside Sports Arena as the HPX Hunner Percent Race gets under way for a three-day weekend of fitness, racing and fundraising.
The event returns after the success of its inaugural staging last year. This year’s competitors include children, teenagers, everyday fitness enthusiasts and some of Scotland’s leading hybrid racers.
Racing for all abilities
HPX is a hybrid fitness competition similar in style to HYROX. Competitors combine running and cardio-machine sections with functional challenges designed to test strength, stamina and movement.
The course includes sandbag lunges, burpees, wall-ball throws, box overs and dumbbell snatches. Despite the demanding exercises, organisers say the competition is intended to welcome people of all fitness levels and abilities, rather than only elite athletes.
Competitors who want to adapt the challenge can enter the No Regrets division. This allows participants to modify virtually every part of the race to suit their individual ability, including changing the running sections where necessary.
For many people taking part, the focus will not be on recording the fastest time or securing a finishing position. The event is intended to emphasise participation, mutual support and giving it “a hunner percent”.
Weekend schedule at Riverside Sports Arena
The weekend begins with the Kids and Teens races, running from 6pm until 9pm. Young competitors aged between eight and 17 will take part in these opening races.
Adult racing follows from 9am until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Most adult competitors will race in pairs, with divisions available for different ability levels.
Elite heats will feature some of Scotland’s fittest hybrid athletes. They are scheduled for 3.15pm on Saturday, followed by heats at 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Sunday.
Charity fundraising and spectator information
HPX was established in memory of John Gilardi. The event is raising funds for Harbour Ayrshire and the John Gilardi Legacy, with representatives from both organisations due to be at Riverside Sports Arena throughout the weekend.
Spectators are welcome to attend, with a recommended donation collected for the charity. Children aged under 16 can attend free of charge.
Families will also find activities including face painting and entertainment for children. Organisers are encouraging people to visit whether they are competing, supporting a friend or family member, or simply curious about hybrid fitness racing.
With participants ranging from eight-year-old first-timers to elite athletes, the Ayr event is set to combine physical competition with community involvement and support for an important local cause.