HYROX Bangkok hit by dirty equipment complaints

HYROX Bangkok 2026, an international fitness competition slated to take place from August 13 to 16 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, has faced criticism over complaints of dirty equipment. Competitors have taken to online community groups to detail their experiences, with sandbags used throughout the race receiving particular scrutiny.

These bags, which athletes carry on their backs during the grueling event, have been described as unpleasant-smelling and visibly unclean, raising questions about the hygiene standards for equipment that comes into direct contact with participants' bodies.

Some athletes suggested that organizers should maintain two sets of sandbags, switching between them daily while the other is cleaned and disinfected. This would allow for proper sanitization between sessions rather than continuous reuse by hundreds of athletes. Others pointed out that, given registration fees close to five thousand baht (US$140), competitors expect a reasonable level of hygiene in return.

Sandbags typically cost only a few thousand baht each, and investing in cleaning could enhance the overall experience and reputation of the event, they argued. Concerns were also raised about skin health, as the sandbags come into direct contact with athletes' bodies for extended periods, especially since many competitors remove their shirts during certain parts of the race, exposing the equipment to sweat and direct skin contact from numerous participants daily.

The issue has continued to circulate online, with many urging organizers to review and improve cleaning protocols ahead of future competitions.