HYROX Pro vs Open: Weights, Differences and Which Division to Choose
Training photo: Dan Fahey, Gritty Soldier
HYROX Pro and HYROX Open are the same race: eight 1 km runs, the same eight stations, the same distances and the same 100 wall balls. The difference is the weight. Pro is heavier at every loaded station, and that changes the race more than the numbers suggest. Here is exactly what changes under the 2026/27 rulebook and how to decide which division to enter.
HYROX Pro vs Open Weights (2026/27)
| Station | Women Open | Women Pro | Men Open | Men Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sled push (incl. sled) | 102 kg | 152 kg | 152 kg | 202 kg |
| Sled pull (incl. sled) | 78 kg | 103 kg | 103 kg | 153 kg |
| Farmers carry | 2 x 16 kg | 2 x 24 kg | 2 x 24 kg | 2 x 32 kg |
| Sandbag lunges | 10 kg | 20 kg | 20 kg | 30 kg |
| Wall balls (100 reps) | 4 kg | 6 kg | 6 kg | 9 kg |
| Wall ball target | 2.70 m | 2.70 m | 3.00 m | 3.00 m |
Notice the pattern: Women Pro uses the same weights as Men Open, and Men Pro adds another step on top. The wall ball target height depends on gender, not division.
What Stays the Same
- Eight 1 km runs
- 1,000 m SkiErg and 1,000 m row, with the damper preset to 6 in every division
- 50 m sled push and 50 m sled pull, in 4 x 12.5 m lengths
- 80 m burpee broad jumps, 200 m farmers carry, 100 m sandbag lunges and 100 wall balls
- The same movement standards and penalties
Because the runs, SkiErg, row and burpees do not change, the gap between Pro and Open comes from the four loaded stations and from how much those stations tire you out for the runs that follow them.
Who Can Race Pro?
Anyone. HYROX says no qualification is needed to race, and the minimum age is 16 on race day. At regular races the Pro divisions are open through the 80+ age groups. You simply choose Pro when you buy your ticket.
Pro, the Elite 15 and the World Championships
- Elite 15: The fastest 15 racers in the Pro division during the season race in the Elite 15 series.
- World Championship slots: Each division at every qualifying event offers one World Championship slot, and each Elite 15 race offers three.
- Pro at Worlds: Pro qualifiers aged under 24 to 59 race the Pro weights and distances at the World Championships.
- Age 60 and over: Athletes 60 and older qualify for Worlds through the Open division only, and race Open weights there even if they raced Pro during the season.
- Licence: To earn qualification points you need a valid HYROX Athlete Licence, and it cannot be applied for after the fact.
Should You Race Pro or Open?
Most people should race Open first. It teaches you pacing, transitions and the rules without the stations taking over your race. Consider Pro when these are true in training:
- You can move the Pro sled without stopping for long. The sled push is the biggest jump. If the Pro sled barely moves for you on a gym turf, it will cost you minutes on race day.
- You can lunge 100 m with the Pro bag (20 kg for women, 30 kg for men) in a few planned sets.
- You can finish 100 wall balls with the Pro ball (6 kg for women, 9 kg for men) in planned sets, without long no-rep streaks.
- Your runs hold up after heavy stations. Pro is not just heavier stations. It is slower runs after them if your legs are not ready.
Pro racers usually finish slower than they would in Open. That is normal, and comparing your Pro time to your Open time is not useful. Pick the division that matches your goal: Open to chase a fast time, Pro to test your strength under fatigue or to chase Elite 15 and World Championship points.
From the Pro Division
Austen's Race Pointers
Battle Bunker founder Austen Alexander is a Navy veteran and a seven-time HYROX Pro racer. His advice holds whether it is your first race or your fiftieth:
- Don't go out too hot. The first run and the SkiErg feel easy because you are fresh. That is the trap. Hold back early and you will still have legs when the race really starts.
- Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast, especially with your cardiovascular system. Once your heart rate is pinned in the red, getting it back down costs far more time than staying steady would have.
- Take breaks as needed. Do not try to go unbroken on every station. A short planned break on the sleds, the lunges, or the wall balls costs seconds. Blowing up costs minutes.
How to Train for the Jump to Pro
- Build strength first. Squats, deadlifts and heavy sled work twice a week for at least 8 to 12 weeks.
- Overload the carries and lunges. Train the farmers carry and lunges at or slightly above Pro weight so race weight feels manageable.
- Do Pro-weight simulations. Use our race-simulation workouts with Pro loads to see how much your runs slow down after each station.
- Rework your pacing plan. Plan more and shorter breaks on the sleds and wall balls. Our HYROX pacing strategy walks through it.
Racing with a partner? Pro Doubles exists too. See the HYROX Doubles guide. For station detail, read our guides to the sled push, sled pull, farmers carry and wall balls.
The Raider Training Sandbag Kit
Filler bags let you load it to about 44 lb (20 kg) for Women Pro and Men Open, 66 lb (30 kg) for Men Pro, or up to 80 lb for overload lunges. Made in the USA, $139.97.
Shop the Raider
The Hybrid Weight Vest MK2
Weighted runs, step-ups and lunges build the leg strength Pro asks for between heavy stations. Adjustable plates, from $199.99.
Shop the VestFree download
The 8-Week HYROX Training Plan
Four sessions a week, every station covered, the official 2026/27 weights, and garage swaps for the sled and SkiErg. Free PDF to your inbox.
Get the free planHYROX Pro vs Open FAQ
What is the difference between HYROX Pro and Open?
Only the weights. Pro uses a heavier sled push, sled pull, farmers carry, sandbag and wall ball. Distances, reps and rules are the same.
Do you have to qualify for HYROX Pro?
No. Anyone 16 or older can enter the Pro division at a regular HYROX race. You choose it when you buy your ticket.
Is HYROX Women Pro the same as Men Open?
Yes for the loaded stations: 152 kg sled push, 103 kg sled pull, 2 x 24 kg kettlebells, 20 kg sandbag and 6 kg wall ball. The wall ball target is 2.70 m for women and 3.00 m for men.
How heavy is the HYROX Men Pro sled push?
202 kg including the sled, compared with 152 kg for Men Open.
Should I do HYROX Pro or Open for my first race?
Most athletes should start with Open to learn pacing and the rules, then move to Pro once the Pro sleds, sandbag and wall ball are manageable in training.
Can athletes over 60 race Pro?
Yes, at regular races Pro is open through the 80+ age groups. For the World Championships, athletes 60 and older qualify through the Open division only.
Source: HYROX 26/27 Singles Rulebook. Battle Bunker is not affiliated with HYROX.
