The rise of endurance sports: Why are we so drawn to events like HYROX and Ironmen?

Once upon a time a marathon was a marker of elite athleticism. Now ultra endurance sports like HYROX are redefining fitness. Ironman aficionado Micheál Costello explains why – and how – he pushes through the pain

Michael Costello training in Battersea Park, London to take part in the Ironman Cervia, Italy in September
Picture: Andrew Dunsmore

Group fitness clubs and classes, particularly in running and hybrid sports like HYROX and triathlon, are blowing up. 

As an Ironman triathlete, I feel like one of those annoying people who say “yeah, I was doing this before it was cool”.