The second edition of Hyrox in Nice is in full swing from Thursday, February 13 to Sunday, February 16, 2026 at the Palais des Expositions. This international hybrid fitness competition brings together amateur and professional athletes from around the world to the French Riviera’s capital to test themselves against a demanding, standardized and timed format. Report.
A Nice stopover in full expansion. For its second edition, Hyrox has found an ideal setting in Nice: the Palais des Expositions welcomes several thousand participants in a space that is both vast and modular, perfect for recreating the competition’s standardized worldwide format. The city, accustomed to national and international sports events, is thus establishing a hybrid and accessible meeting point that brings together local, national and international athletes. The 2026 edition confirms that Nice is becoming a major stop on the circuit, combining spectacle, sport and conviviality.
A sporting atmosphere from the entrance. From the moment you enter the main hangar, the energy is palpable. Music pulses through the space, giving people the urge to run, jump and push themselves. Participants are active in all directions: some are running, others lifting weights, pulling ropes or pushing loads. The course resembles an “organized chaos” where everyone knows where to go in this anthill… All ages and levels mix: amateurs, athletes, men, women… and often, those who have finished encourage those still competing, reinforcing the overall energy.
“Supporting is a sport!”
Near the starting line, Thierry and Mina, 62 years old, a police officer and specialized educator, are holding a sign: “Go Olive and Nico PAF 06”. They have come to support two Border Police colleagues for whom this is their first participation. “We did it this morning, and we’re coming back to encourage them!” they explain. For them, Hyrox is also a sport of encouragement and sharing. “Even if we didn’t participate, we can always come: there are always supporters!” concludes Mina.
Nearby, Fabrice, 57 years old and a farmer, is holding a sign with a giant head printed with the image of his son, Thomas, who is about to run. “It’s my son’s head!” he explains proudly. This is not the first time: “It must be his fourth or fifth race. I support him every time.” As Thomas passes under the sign, Fabrice waves it while shouting “Go Thomas!”, while the woman accompanying him films with two phones, capturing the family and emotional moment. “We’ll see if it brings him luck!” he adds with a laugh.
“Supporting is a sport” Romane, 28 years old and a consultant, is pressed against the railing between two flight of stairs, shouting and taking photos. She is encouraging her boyfriend Max, who is laboriously pushing a heavy load. This is his first Hyrox solo, after three duo participations, including one professional duo with her brother. “The push was tricky, but he’s going to make it! It looks pretty good!” she comments. “I’ve been supporting him for 12 years!” she bursts out laughing, embodying the energy and passion of supporters. These scenes show that Hyrox is as much a human spectacle as a sporting competition, and that the local dimension gives a special flavor to this Nice edition.
A spectacular state of mind. Beyond performance, it is a collective experience. Warm-up areas, refreshments, entertainment, live tracking and partner village create an immersive atmosphere. Each finisher leaves with an official ranking and personal times. The energy of the crowd and the support of spectators bring a unique human dimension and a spectacular state of mind.
A well-oiled machine. Beyond the athletes, the same race, same equipment, same distances, regardless of where in the world, allows everyone to measure their progress and embark on an endless quest for personal records, symbolizing the HYROX spirit: run, lift, start again… again and again.
A finish line, an obvious choice: HYROX is more than just a race, it is a global test of body and mind, where performance meets the collective. Between effort, pushing your limits and encouragement from others, few are those who want to stop at the first bib, even to participate. With this second edition, the city of Nice confirms that Hyrox is a must-attend event for all fitness and hybrid challenge enthusiasts. And you know what they say: never two without a third edition!
Let us remind you that the event continues for three more days of competitions until Sunday, February 16, 2026, offering participants and spectators the chance to experience an entire weekend of effort, emotion and sporting spectacle.
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