HYROX Phoenix - Elite 15 Major

29 Jan
01 Feb 2026
Ticket Status:
On Sale
Oct 30, 2025
12pm MST
Laurel Wreath
Elite 15 qualifier
Trophy
First HYROX in this city
HYROX Majors Phoenix 2026 event
Colosseum

Venue name

State Farm Stadium
No items found.
Location

address

1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, AZ 85305, United States
Airport

Nearest airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Google Maps Old

airport Distance

Distance to Phoenix CBD: ~5 miles / 8 km (about 10–15 minutes by car).Distance to Scottsdale Old Town: ~12 miles / 19 km (about 20–25 minutes by car).
Clock

Local time

None
Happy

Event Vibe

Intense Competition
Wallet

Wallet impact index

$$$
Partly Cloudy Day

Time of Year

Winter

Race spotlight

Where Desert Heat Meets World-Class Competition

HYROX Phoenix 2026 is the third Major of the global 2025–26 HYROX season — following Intersport HYROX Hamburg 2025 (Oct 2–5, 2025), then BYD HYROX Melbourne 2025 (Dec 11–14, 2025), moving into Phoenix (Jan 29 – Feb 1, 2026), and culminating with HYROX Warsaw Majors 2026 (Apr 16–19, 2026).  

Set across four electric days at State Farm Stadium in Glendale (just outside Phoenix, Arizona), athletes will go head-to-head for Elite 15 ranking points and coveted World Championship slots.  

Late January means ideal racing conditions — crisp desert mornings (~10-18 °C / 50-65 °F), dry air and endless blue skies. For athletes coming from Europe, Australia or Asia, this is the perfect transition into high-performance mode.

What gives Phoenix its edge isn’t just the competition — it’s the destination. Nestled in the heart of the Valley of the Sun, this is a region built for athletes and adventurers alike: sunrise hikes up Camelback Mountain, golden-hour runs through Papago Park’s red-rock trails, and pool-side recovery at Scottsdale resorts.

Travel logistics are streamlined: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) sits just ~30 minutes from the venue, with direct flights from London, Frankfurt, Sydney and Toronto — making the U.S. a highly accessible gateway for international athletes. The U.S. ESTA visa route keeps entry simple, allowing racers to stay focused on one thing: performance.

HYROX Phoenix will deliver high stakes, roaring crowds and finish-line energy that only a Major can produce. From the first 1 km run to the final wall-ball station, this is where urban grit meets desert calm, and where your HYROX story gets written.

Ready to race? The desert is calling.

Racecation Review

Phoenix delivers a race-cation experience that balances big-city amenities with easy access to Arizona’s desert landscapes. Late January is prime time to visit — mild winter weather means you can race hard in perfect conditions, then recover under sunny skies without the intensity of summer heat. The city’s downtown core offers modern hotels, craft coffee shops, and athlete-friendly eateries, while neighborhoods like Scottsdale bring a more upscale, resort-style vibe.

What sets Phoenix apart is the mix of competition and outdoor adventure. Within a short drive you can explore Camelback Mountain for sunrise hikes, or head out to Papago Park’s red-rock trails for active recovery with stunning desert backdrops. If you’ve got more time, Sedona’s famous red canyons and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon are within reach for a day trip or overnight. Add in the energy of a thriving sports culture — from basketball and hockey to golf and baseball spring training — and Phoenix makes for a race-cation that blends performance, relaxation, and discovery in true Southwestern style.

Hotels

Since the official venue for HYROX Phoenix hasn’t been announced, downtown Phoenix is your safest base. It’s centrally located, walkable, and well-connected via light rail. Top picks include the Hyatt Regency Phoenix and Kimpton Hotel Palomar for full-service comfort, or the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown for solid mid-range value. Budget travelers can check out the Found:Re Phoenix or Best Western Downtown for quality without the cost. Wherever the venue lands, staying near downtown ensures convenience, transit access, and close proximity to post-race food and recovery spots.

Visa guide

  • Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Citizens of 40+ countries (including much of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, etc.) can travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa if they obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure.
  • Standard Tourist Visa (B1/B2): Travelers from countries not part of the VWP will need to apply in advance for a U.S. visitor visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
  • Passport Requirements: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay (some exceptions apply under bilateral agreements).

Cost Insights

Phoenix is one of the more affordable U.S. HYROX destinations. Hotel rates near downtown or the convention center typically range from $90–150 USD per night, with solid budget options under $100. Dining is wallet-friendly—local spots and casual eateries offer meals for $10–20. Rideshares and parking are manageable, and light rail provides an inexpensive transport option. Many outdoor attractions, like desert hikes and botanical gardens, are free or low-cost. Phoenix offers strong value with year-round sun and space—ideal for athletes looking for performance without the premium.

Public transport guide

Public transit exists but is limited — this is a car-first city. Most HYROX athletes will use rideshare or rent a car to balance venue, gyms, and desert adventures.

  • Airport → Phoenix/Scottsdale: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is centrally located, ~10 minutes to downtown Phoenix and ~20–25 minutes to Scottsdale by rideshare.
  • City/Scottsdale → Venue (TBD): The Valley Metro Rail is useful within central Phoenix, but venues and gyms are often outside its reach — car transport is strongly recommended.
  • Tips: Staying in Scottsdale? Expect short drives to gyms and Old Town; staying in Phoenix puts you closer to arenas and nightlife. Either way, distances are manageable, but plan transport ahead to avoid missing recovery or training sessions.

Best photo spots

The Valley of the Sun is medal-shot paradise: red rocks, desert sunsets, and modern cityscapes collide. January skies are typically crystal clear, giving athletes vibrant backdrops without the blistering summer heat.

  • Camelback Mountain (Scottsdale/Phoenix border) – The iconic climb, offering sweeping views of both cities. The ultimate “I raced Phoenix” photo.
  • Papago Park & Hole-in-the-Rock (Phoenix) – Sandstone formations glowing orange at sunset, unique and dramatic medal setting.
  • Old Town Scottsdale – Cobblestone streets, neon-lit nightlife strips, and modern art walls — urban athlete shots with flair.
  • Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix) – Saguaro silhouettes and desert blooms frame recovery-day photo ops.
  • South Mountain Park (Phoenix) – One of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., panoramic skyline sunsets.
  • Scottsdale Waterfront & Canal District – Sleek, modern cityscapes with reflections at dusk, balancing desert wildness with urban polish.

Local Climate

February in Phoenix delivers ideal racing weather, with daily highs around 20–24°C (68–75°F) and cool, dry mornings near 8–12°C (46–54°F). Rain is rare, and the skies are typically sunny, offering a low-humidity, high-performance climate. This desert city is perfect for athletes looking to escape winter and compete in comfort. Bring layers for early starts, but expect T-shirt weather by midday.

Local Eats

Fuel up in Phoenix with a mix of Southwestern flair and clean eats perfect for race prep and recovery. For nutrient-dense bowls, smoothies, and plant-based options, check out Original ChopShop or Flower Child, both within easy reach of downtown. Craving gluten-free? Pomegranate Café in Ahwatukee offers organic, vegan, and allergy-conscious meals packed with flavor.

Post-race, try a local favorite: Sonoran-style tacos or green chile burritos from spots like Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup or Barrio Café. Whether you’re carb-loading or celebrating, Phoenix serves up sunshine and spice in every bite.

Local Gyms

Local Gyms – Phoenix + Scottsdale

Phoenix’s fitness scene leans toward rugged desert endurance, while Scottsdale adds a polished, luxury edge. Together, they make the region one of the most versatile HYROX prep hubs in the U.S. Athletes can choose from hardcore sled-pushing warehouses to boutique recovery-focused studios, often just 20–30 minutes apart.

  • CrossFit PHX (Scottsdale border) – A go-to for serious functional athletes, with competition programming, sled lanes, SkiErgs, and a community vibe that feels like race day practice.
  • Mountainside Fitness (locations in Phoenix + Scottsdale) – Social, spacious gyms with strength rigs, pools, and recovery suites. Great for drop-ins pre- or post-race.
  • EXOS Phoenix – Pro-level performance centre where NFL players and Olympians train. A rare chance to prep alongside elite athletes.
  • BODI Scottsdale – A boutique high-energy training space blending CrossFit-style conditioning with luxury amenities.
  • The Foundry Scottsdale – Yoga, Pilates, and heated recovery options — ideal for mobility and post-race reset.

Culture note: Phoenix brings the grit, Scottsdale brings the glam — athletes here balance sandbag slogs with spa sessions, proving recovery is as important as the grind.

Recovery Guide

Following the high-intensity competition at HYROX Phoenix, athletes can take advantage of several excellent recovery facilities in and around downtown Phoenix. The city offers a variety of wellness centers that cater specifically to sports recovery, including deep tissue massage clinics, cryotherapy chambers, and infrared sauna studios, all designed to reduce inflammation and speed muscle repair.

One standout is Restore Hyper Wellness, which offers a combination of cryotherapy, compression therapy, and IV hydration therapy—ideal for athletes seeking cutting-edge recovery technology. Additionally, the nearby Spa Avania provides soothing massage treatments and hydrotherapy pools, perfect for post-race muscle relaxation.

Phoenix’s warm, dry desert climate also lends itself well to outdoor recovery activities. Gentle walks or yoga sessions in nearby parks like Steele Indian School Park allow athletes to stretch and cool down in a refreshing, sunny environment. For a unique twist, some athletes opt for altitude simulation therapy nearby, helping to enhance oxygen uptake and endurance recovery.

With its combination of modern recovery services and beneficial desert climate, Phoenix offers a solid environment for athletes to recharge and prepare for their next performance.

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