What is TRYKA, the Irish-born accessible hybrid race that just launched in the UK?

TRYKA is a hybrid race format built for the 80% of people who want to take part without elite pressure

Thu, 09 Apr, 2026 - 09:20

Breda Graham

An Irish-born, community‑first hybrid fitness race league has announced its official launch in the UK ahead of its first London event this year.

TRYKA, founded by Irish entrepreneur Brian Lee, the founder of Freshly Chopped, is a hybrid race format built for the 80% of people who want to take part without elite pressure.

After a successful launch in Ireland, two races that attracted thousands of participants, and a third sold-out race this weekend, TRYKA officially launched in the UK on Thursday, following an event at District, Battersea.

The event marks the start of the countdown to its London debut at Excel on September 5 and 6, bringing together creators who took part in a preview TRYKA session and experienced a taste of the format ahead of September.

Speaking about the launch into the UK, Brian Lee said: “London is the right first step as we launch TRYKA in the UK. We built TRYKA so more people can say yes to race day and our sold-out events to date show how a community-led, accessible format resonates.

“In recent months, we have focused on elevating the experience further with the launch of the Fittest Clan category and elevated race weekends so returning athletes and first timers feel the support and atmosphere that TRYKA has to offer.

“Interest from UK gyms and clubs grows every week, making the London launch a natural progression. We look forward to welcoming London’s gyms, teams and first timers into the Excel.”

Brian Lee, founder of TRYKA, pictured in London ahead of the hybrid race's launch in the UK.

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What is TRYKA?

Founded by Irish entrepreneur Brian Lee, TRYKA was built for the 80% of people who enjoy training but never felt typical hybrid race formats were for them.

The result is an arena‑style experience that is welcoming, structured and accessible with clear formats for first timers and experienced athletes to compete side by side.

TRYKA combines running and functional fitness in a welcoming, arena‑style race, designed for people who enjoy training but have never felt traditional race formats were for them.

It is built to be accessible and inclusive, with clear entry points for first-timers alongside more competitive categories.

Categories include the beginner-friendly TRYKA 500, Open, Pro, Doubles, Relay and the family-focused ‘Fittest Clan.’

What does the race format look like?

TRYKA’s signature race format includes eight 800m runs paired with functional fitness challenges. For newcomers, the TRYKA 500 offers a shorter, beginner-friendly version with 500m runs and modified workouts, making participation less daunting and more welcoming.

The stations include: SkiErg; Farmers Carry; Ram Thrusters; Sled Push; Sled Pull; Rower; Walking Lunges; Burpee Broad Jumps, before a 40m sprint finish.

How popular has it become?

TRYKA has built strong momentum at home over the past year, with two sold‑out Dublin race weekends to date. A third Dublin event will take place this weekend.

TRYKA’s last race drew 15,000 people, including 8,000 athletes and 7,000 spectators, with 80% of tickets selling within the first 48 hours, and close to 10,000 athletes taking part in TRYKA’s third Dublin event this weekend.

Who can take part?

TRYKA is open to all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Our divisions make it accessible whether you’re new to functional fitness or aiming to compete at an elite level.

The league is also attracting first‑time hybrid racers, with 30% of participants new to hybrid racing.

What are the different race division options?

TRYKA offers three division options and a beginner race option to suit every athlete.

The Open Division (including 800m runs) suits all fitness levels and is a good starting point for first-time hybrid racers.

The Pro Division features heavier weights and is a faster competition. This division is designed for experienced athletes.

The Relay Division involves racing as a team of two or four athletes and sharing the workload. The Beginner Race (including 500m runs) is exclusive to TRYKA and has shorter run intervals for newcomers.

How do I take part in London?

Tickets for the London debut event in September will go on presale on April 22 and general sale on April 23.

The UK launch forms part of TRYKA’s wider 2026 season, which concludes with the TRYKA Grand Finale in the Algarve in October.

All athletes who compete throughout the season contribute points to individual, club, and corporate leaderboards. The Algarve Finals weekend brings together competitors from every race for a larger, festival-style event that celebrates effort, community and progression across the year.

Visit tryka.fit/ for more info.