The UAE joins 19 other nations at the HYROX Elite Mixed Relay Invitational in Chicago — and the competition is set to be fiercer than ever.
This year is shaping up to be a landmark one for HYROX fans in the UAE. For the first time ever, the ultimate fitness race is bringing its all-action roadshow to Abu Dhabi for a lactic-acid-inducing day of functional fun.
As it turns out, 2025 is a year of firsts for the region. Announced this month, the UAE will also be represented at the HYROX Elite Mixed Relay Invitational in Chicago.
The all-action format returns for its second iteration at the HYROX World Championships — and for the first time in its short history, the UAE will be part of the excitement.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the HYROX Elite Mixed Relay Invitational?
The HYROX Elite Mixed Relay Invitational mirrors the standard relay format, but is exclusive to the world’s most elite hybrid athletes.
Each competitor completes two separate 1km runs and tackles two functional stations at pro weight.
Unlike the open relay, teams must also submit a predetermined race sequence in advance — a strategic twist that raises the stakes.
Launched in Nice last year, the Invitational sees 20 teams go head-to-head for a shot at world champion status.
The top 15 nations from the 2024/25 HYROX season receive automatic invites, with the final five spots awarded as wildcards.
Captains are chosen based on their rankings and what HYROX calls “leadership within their national athlete community.”
Each captain then hand-picks three athletes to complete a mixed squad of men and women.
Team England — led by Michael Sandbach and Kate Davey in Nice — are the reigning champions. They edged out Team USA, whose roster included world champions Megan Jacoby and Hunter McIntyre, by 20 seconds to claim the title.
This year, rising star Jake Dearden will lead Team England. The Manchester-born hybrid powerhouse is taking a different approach to team selection, setting a qualifying workout to open the opportunity to a wider pool of athletes.
The UAE is one of four nations making its debut in the HYROX Elite Mixed Relay Invitational. Belgium, Morocco, and South Korea will also join the fray for the first time.
Here are the full 20 nations competing:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- China
- England
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Scotland
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
So, Who Is Captaining the UAE?
Kookie Saleh has been given the honour of captaining Team UAE in its debut HYROX Elite Mixed Relay Invitational appearance.
A seasoned HYROX Pro athlete with 15 races across four divisions under her belt, Kookie is deeply embedded in the functional fitness world.
She’s also a doctor in child public health, a Team Myzone athlete, and no stranger to big stages — having previously represented the region at the CrossFit Games.
When Is the HYROX World Championships?
The 2025 HYROX World Championships will take place at Navy Pier in Chicago from June 12–15.
The HYROX Elite Mixed Relay Invitational is set to kick off at 7pm local time on Friday, June 13, with live coverage and commentary beginning at 6:20pm.
Relay is HYROX’s fastest format — and this year, all eyes will be on the clock as records are tested and the sport’s fiercest athletes battle for global glory.
SEE ALSO: Everything You Need to Know About HYROX Abu Dhabi – The Ultimate Fitness Race
