HYROX Bangkok hit by dirty equipment complaints

HYROX Bangkok 2026, the global fitness competition slated for August 13 to 16 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, has faced backlash from participants over complaints of unhygienic equipment. The sandbags used in the race have been singled out by athletes as smelly and visibly unclean, raising questions about the event's sanitation standards.

Competitors carry these bags throughout the race, leading some to propose keeping a fresh set available for daily use, allowing the old ones ample time for cleaning and disinfection. The steep registration fees, nearing five thousand baht (US$140), have prompted participants to demand a higher standard of hygiene, given the extended skin contact the equipment has with athletes' bodies.

The issue has sparked a debate on social media, with many urging the organizers to reassess their cleaning protocols before future competitions.