HYROX Race Day Essentials: What to Pack for Peak Performance
You’ve trained hard. . . now it’s time to GO hard! Race day is about execution, not surprises. The right prep and gear can make all the difference between feeling strong through the finish or hitting the wall halfway through.
🏁 Here’s your complete HYROX Race Day Essentials checklist to ensure you show up prepared and confident—tested and suggested by Wheelhouse members who have races under their belts.
1. ⚡️ Energy Gels & Fuel Packets
HYROX races take anywhere from 60–90 minutes (or longer), and your glycogen stores will take a hit. Energy gels—which you can carry on your person during the race—give you a quick boost of carbs and electrolytes to keep your power output steady through stations like rowing and wall balls.
What to bring:
A small wearable pouch or shorts with a pocket to carry a gel packet or 2
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t wait until race day to try one. During your longer training sessions, test a few different brands and flavors. Note how your stomach reacts and how your energy feels 10–20 minutes after taking one. Choose the one that fuels you best, tastes good under pressure, and doesn’t upset your stomach.
2. 👟 Race-Day Shoes (But Not Brand-New Ones)
This might sound obvious, but it’s one of the most common rookie mistakes. HYROX involves running, sled pushes and pulls, burpee broad jumps, and lunges. That’s a lot of lateral movement and impact.
Wear the shoes you’ve trained in, ones you already know feel stable during sled work and comfortable during running intervals. Breaking in new shoes on race day can lead to blisters, bruises, or worse, a distracted mindset.
If you recently upgraded, make sure you’ve logged at least 3–4 workouts in them first.
3. 🧘 Warm-Up & Mobility Tools
These tools are your pre-race insurance policy. Get to the venue early and find a quiet corner to go through your warm-up routine—roll out your tight spots, open your hips, and activate key muscle groups before the buzzer goes off.
What to Bring:
A lacrosse ball (great for calves, glutes, and traps)
A foam roller or small travel roller
Mini resistance bands for glute activation and shoulder priming
👉 Pro Tip: Post-race, use them again to speed up recovery and reduce soreness.
4. 🎒 Backpack Essentials
Pack a small backpack or duffel bag with:
A change of clothes (including socks and underwear)
Flip-flops or slides — perfect for letting your feet breathe post-race
Body wipes and deodorant
Protein bar or recovery snack
Phone charger or portable power bank (you’ll be taking photos!)
Plastic bag for sweaty clothes
HYROX events have an awesome community vibe—you’ll want to hang around, cheer for teammates, and enjoy the atmosphere. Having fresh clothes makes all the difference in how comfortable you feel sticking around afterward.
5. 💧 Hydration & Electrolyte Replacements
Be sure to hydrate with plenty of water leading up to race time. You’ll sweat a ton during your race. Replenishing electrolytes is critical for preventing cramping, dizziness, and energy crashes. Mix a packet of LMNT (pick some up from the Wheelhouse front desk) in your water before warming up, and have another ready to go post-race. If you prefer grab-and-go convenience, Gatorlyte bottles are a great option.
6. 🍽️ Plan Your Meals Based on Race Time
Your race start time determines your fueling strategy:
Morning race: Eat a light, easily digestible meal 2–3 hours before. Think eggs and toast or oatmeal with a banana and a scoop of protein powder.
Midday race: Eat a balanced breakfast (carbs + protein + minimal fat), then a small snack or gel 30–60 minutes before your heat.
Afternoon/evening race: Have a hearty breakfast and a moderate lunch, avoiding anything too heavy or high in fiber.
👉 Pro Tip: Stick to foods you’ve eaten before with no tummy trouble—no new bars, no experimental supplements, no mystery smoothies. Consistency is your secret weapon!
7. 🧢 Bonus Items That Make a Difference
A few extras that seasoned racers swear by:
Extra socks – in case your feet get wet or sweaty pre-race
Towel – for your warm-up area and post-race cleanup
Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated throughout the day
Portable fan or cooling towel – venues can get hot and crowded
Small snack bag – for a quick bite before or after your heat
🏆 Final Prep Tip: Control the Controllables
Pack your bag the night before, charge your devices, and double-check your race confirmation email. You’ve done the hard work—now it’s about execution. Show up early, stay calm, and trust your training.
Then, when the buzzer sounds, it’s go time.
🤜🤛 Race Day Vibes
Whether you’re toeing the line in Atlanta this October or Chicago this November, remember race day is as much about community as it is about competition. Pack your bag, fuel smart, and show up ready to crush your goals—and don’t forget to fist bump your fellow Wheelhouse members as you see them before, during, and after the race.
🏁 HYROX Race Day Essentials: Quick Checklist
⚡ Energy & Fuel
GU, Go Gel, or favorite energy gel packets
Test flavors before race day during long workouts
Pack 1–2 for mid-race energy boost
👟 Footwear
Trained-in shoes only — no brand-new kicks!
Break in any new shoes at least 3–4 workouts prior
🧘 Warm-Up & Mobility Tools
Lacrosse ball – calves, glutes, traps
Foam roller or travel roller – pre- and post-race
Mini resistance bands – glute & shoulder activation
🎒 Post-Race Backpack
Change of clothes & socks
Flip-flops or slides
Body wipes & deodorant
Protein bar or recovery snack
Phone charger / portable power bank
Plastic bag for sweaty clothes
💧 Hydration & Electrolytes
LMNT, Re-Lyte, or Gatorlyte pre-mixed drinks
Sip before, during, and after race to prevent cramping
🍽️ Pre-Race Meals
Morning race: light meal 2–3 hours prior (oatmeal + banana)
Midday: balanced breakfast + small snack 30–60 min pre-race
Afternoon: hearty breakfast + moderate lunch, avoid heavy/fiber-rich foods
Stick to foods you’ve trained with
🧢 Bonus Items
Extra socks
Small towel
Reusable water bottle
Portable fan or cooling towel
Quick snack bag
🤜🤛 Community & Mindset
Pack your bag the night before
Arrive early and warm up properly
Fist bump fellow members competing this October (Atlanta) & November (Chicago)
Celebrate each rep, cheer each other on, and enjoy the HYROX community