Irish entrepreneur Brian Lee launches TRYKA fitness race league to rival global competitors like Hyrox.
A new Irish-owned fitness race league aimed at making hybrid racing more accessible to every day gym-goers launches this month, with its inaugural event scheduled for Dublin’s RDS Simmonscourt on 11 to 12 October 2025.
TRYKA, founded by Brian Lee – the entrepreneur behind healthy fast-food chain Freshly Chopped – positions itself as a community-first alternative to global events like Hyrox, with multiple race formats designed for all fitness levels from beginners to elite athletes.
“This is about more than just competition, it’s about building connections, boosting confidence and creating something positive across Ireland”
“We created TRYKA to offer something fresh, inclusive, and proudly Irish. We’re building a new community that welcomes everyone, whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’re a seasoned athlete,” said Lee.
The founder’s motivation stems from his own experience competing in European Hyrox events, where he identified a market gap in Ireland.
“After competing in Hyrox events across Europe, I saw a real gap in the market here. Many people love the idea of hybrid fitness racing, but feel it’s out of reach – too intense, too exclusive or just not for them. TRYKA is designed to change that and bring fitness racing to the wider public,” Lee explained.
Beginner-friendly approach
TRYKA’s signature race format features eight 800-meter runs paired with functional fitness challenges. However, recognizing the intimidation factor for newcomers, the league offers TRYKA 500 – a shorter, beginner-friendly version with 500-meter runs and modified workouts.
The events are structured to accommodate individuals, pairs, gym groups, and corporate teams, with the 12-month league season running from October 2025 through October 2026, culminating in a season finale in Portugal’s Algarve region.
“We wanted to build a league that puts community first – where every day gym-goers, beginners and corporate teams can come together, challenge themselves and have fun in a supportive atmosphere,” Lee said. “This is about more than just competition, it’s about building connections, boosting confidence and creating something positive across Ireland.”
The league has opened early access for affiliate partners, including participating companies, gyms, and clubs, allowing their members to secure tickets before the general public. General ticket sales launch on Thursday, June 19, with individual entry priced at €110.
TRYKA plans to host events across Ireland throughout the league season, leveraging strategic partnerships with local gyms, clubs, and corporate teams to foster community engagement.
Founder’s track record
Lee brings significant entrepreneurial experience to the venture, having built Freshly Chopped from a single Dublin location in 2012 to over 65 international outlets before successfully exiting the business in 2024. The healthy fast-food chain transformed perceptions of quick-service dining through its focus on fresh ingredients and transparent preparation.
Beyond food and fitness, Lee’s business interests span technology, logistics, and wellness sectors, while his philanthropic work focuses on health education and homelessness issues.
The inaugural TRYKA event represents Lee’s latest venture in building community-focused businesses that prioritise accessibility and inclusion over exclusivity.
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