Top Tips from Zara Piergianni to Smash Your Next Doubles Race!

This season, HYROX introduced a new division: ELITE15 Pro Doubles. Throughout the season, five qualification races took place in Melbourne, Houston, Miami, Paris, and London, with the top three pairs at each event securing their spot at the HYROX World Championships in Chicago.

As many of you may have experienced, running a doubles race is very different from a solo one. It tends to be faster-paced, combining shorter but higher-intensity efforts, often resulting in big heart-rate spikes. I personally love the buzz (not forgetting the extra rest!) of doubles, so it was incredibly special to recently qualify in London.

Zara's Top HYROX Doubles Race Tips

If you're gearing up for a doubles event, here are my top tips and things to consider to help you smash your next HYROX doubles race:

1. Create a Strategy That Plays to Both of Your Strengths

If you and your partner have competed in HYROX before, tools like RoxFit or HyResult can help you review your race data. Combine these insights with your personal feedback to identify the stations where each of you naturally excels.

If it’s your first race together, reflect on your training—what stations energise you, and which ones leave you drained? It might seem obvious, but capitalize on these strengths. You don’t need to split everything equally. A strategy tailored to your strengths will give you a competitive edge.

2. Let the Stronger Runner Finish Most of the Stations

In my duo, Kate often finishes the stations because she’s the stronger runner, while I lead and maintain pace on the runs.

If there’s a notable difference in running ability between you, consider having the stronger runner both start and finish the stations. If you’re more evenly matched, the partner not finishing the station could do more reps or distance, giving them more time to recover before the next run.

3. Practice Your Changeovers

Changeovers can make or break your station times, so don’t wait until race day to practice them.

Some transitions like ski, sled push, and farmers carry are straightforward and only require clear communication and confidence in your plan. But don’t forget logistics—agree on your changeover direction (e.g., move right or left) to avoid bumping into each other!

If there’s a height difference, practice the sandbag transition. Often, it’s easier for the working partner to stay forward-facing while the other places the sandbag on their back. Alternatively, go back-to-back. Also, Wall Balls (Station 8) is a critical point—give your partner a 5-rep warning before switching to make the change seamless.