Fitness enthusiasts in Cebu are set to experience a groundbreaking event as the province hosts its first-ever Hyrox competition outdoors. The Awaken Outdoor Series - Hyrox365 Fitness Club Edition will take place on February 28, 2026, at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, marking a significant departure from traditional indoor gym settings.
A Pioneering Fitness Challenge in the Philippines
Event organizer Joy Polloso, who is also a Hyrox athlete, emphasized the historic nature of this competition during its official launch on Friday, February 6, 2026, at a restaurant in Banilad Town Center in Cebu City. Polloso explained that this marks the first time a Hyrox event will be conducted outside of a conventional fitness gym environment.
"The Awaken Outdoor series is the first to be held outside of a gym. Hyrox is very inclusive. It's challenging but everyone who has the passion can do it," stated Polloso, highlighting the accessible yet demanding nature of the competition.
Nine Grueling Exercises Await Participants
Competitors will face a comprehensive fitness test consisting of nine distinct gym exercises designed to push their physical limits. The challenging circuit includes:
- 800 meter run
- SkiErg (600 meters)
- Push-up (40 repetitions)
- Kettlebell Deadlift to High Pull (35 repetitions)
- Burpees (40 repetitions)
- RowErg (600 meters)
- Farmer's Carry (150 meters)
- Lunges (120 meters)
- Wall Balls (100 repetitions)
Competition Format and Categories
The event will follow a timed completion-based format where participants will have three minutes to complete each individual gym exercise. This structure ensures a fair yet demanding challenge for all competitors.
Participants can join in three different categories to accommodate various fitness levels and preferences:
- Singles (individual competitors)
- Doubles (two-person teams)
- Triples (three-person teams)
Cebu: The Perfect Launchpad for Hyrox in the Philippines
Awaken Managing Partner Culver Padilla expressed confidence in Cebu's fitness community during the event launch. "Everyone here in Cebu has passion. No other place to start Hyrox than here in Cebu," Padilla remarked, noting that participants are expected from various parts of the country and even from international locations.
The organizers have ambitious plans for the future of Hyrox in the Philippines. They hope that this inaugural outdoor event will pave the way for hosting a full Hyrox race in the country, which would feature even more challenging obstacles and exercises for dedicated fitness enthusiasts.
This event represents a significant milestone in the Philippine fitness scene, bringing an internationally recognized competition format to Cebu in an innovative outdoor setting that promises to test participants' endurance, strength, and determination.
