Wave Start
The staggered start format used in Hyrox where athletes are released in groups (waves) every few minutes rather than all at once.
What Wave Start means in Hyrox
Hyrox uses a wave start system to manage congestion in the Roxzone and on the running loop. Athletes are assigned to a specific wave (typically 100-200 athletes per wave) and released every 10-20 minutes. Each wave has its own start time, but all waves race the same course and clock. Waves are typically separated by division (Open Singles, Pro Singles, Doubles, Relay) and sometimes by skill (faster waves released first to avoid congestion).
Context and use
Race format / logistics. Your wave time matters for travel and warm-up planning but not for ranking — your finish time starts when your wave starts.
Examples
- Wave 1 starts at 09:00, Wave 2 at 09:15, Wave 3 at 09:30...
- Pro athletes typically race in earlier waves; Open athletes in later waves.
Frequently asked questions
How does Hyrox wave start work?
Athletes are assigned to a numbered wave that starts at a specific time. Each wave has 100-200 athletes. Waves typically start every 10-20 minutes throughout race day.
Can I choose my Hyrox wave?
Sometimes — registration usually offers preferred wave times. Race-day swaps are possible at the help desk if there's space. Pro athletes typically race in earlier waves; Doubles and Relay race later.
Related Hyrox terms
- Roxzone — The transition area between the running loop and the stations in a Hyrox race. Time spent in the roxzone counts toward your finish time.
- Open vs Pro — The two main Hyrox divisions. Open is open-entry with standard weights; Pro is qualification-only with heavier weights and faster expected times.
- Doubles — Hyrox race format where two athletes split station work but both run all 8 km together.