HYROX Abu Dhabi 2026 Mixed Doubles: How We Won in 55:15

On Saturday 24 October, Kalern Thomas and Lucy Johnson won the Mixed Doubles at HYROX Abu Dhabi in 55:15: first overall and first in the 30–34 age group, 19 seconds clear of second place in a field of almost 200 pairs.

The numbers

• Finish: 55:15 (1st overall, 1st in age group 30–34, top 1%)

• Running (8 × 1 km): 29:20

• Stations: 22:02

• Roxzone (transitions): 4:01

• Average 1 km run: 3:40

• Average pace: 3:50/km

Where the race was won

1. Running stayed honest

Averaging 3:40 per km across eight runs, with stations in between, is what separates the front of a doubles field. Neither of us went out hero-fast on run one. The aim was even splits, so the last two runs didn't fall off a cliff.

2. Stations were split to our strengths

In doubles you split the work however you like. We divided reps by who recovers fastest on each station, not 50/50. Sleds and carries go to whoever is fresher on the day, and wall balls get split into short, fast sets.

3. Four minutes of Roxzone

4:01 across the whole race means no standing around. Every transition was planned: who goes first, where to meet, no discussion on the floor.

What you can take into your race

• Pace run one like run eight. If your first km is more than 10–15 seconds faster than your average, you're borrowing time you'll pay back later.

• Doubles athletes: plan your splits before race day. Write them down and practise the handovers.

• Treat Roxzone as a station. Walk it in training until it's automatic.

Want a race plan built around your splits?

Try the free HYROX finish time predictor, join the 8-week HYROX Dubai race-prep squad (Tue & Thu at KO8 Marina, max 8 athletes), or book 1:1 HYROX coaching with Kalern. Not in Dubai? Online HYROX coaching is available in the UK and worldwide.