First H2ROX in the Netherlands at Hoornse Vaart swimming pool
Published on: 20 August 2026Alkmaar will host a Dutch sports first on Sunday 30 August. Alkmaar Sport, in collaboration with Swim Performance, is organising the Netherlands' first H2ROX at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool. In this new fitness race, participants alternate eight 200-metre swims with eight functional workouts. Around 100 participants will line up for this inaugural edition. The first participants will start from 13:00. Spectators can come and watch for free and cheer on the participants.
From France to Alkmaar
The concept originates from France and will be organised in the Netherlands for the first time on 30 August. Jelle de Boer of Swim Performance sees that more and more athletes are combining different training methods. “The principle is similar to HYROX, but at H2ROX running is replaced by swimming. This creates a completely different race, in which you need both swimming fitness and strength. H2ROX originated in France and we are thrilled to be able to bring this race to the Netherlands for the first time, together with Alkmaar Sport.”
De Boer sees the event in Alkmaar as the start of more H2ROX competitions. “We are pleased to be the first in the Netherlands to organise this together with Alkmaar Sport. It is great to be at the forefront of a new sports concept. This is the very first try-out of several H2ROX Events that will follow. We are starting with around 100 participants, which is a fantastic number for the first time. This is really going to be a celebration.”
Swimming and fitness combined
H2ROX combines swimming with exercises familiar from functional fitness. Every 200 metres of swimming is followed by a workout. These include burpee broad jumps, the Assault Bike, SkiErg, rowing, wall balls, lunges, farmer's carries and ground-to-overhead. In total, participants swim 1,600 metres and complete eight different workout stations. The entire race is raced against the clock and ends with an official finish time.
For both swimmers and fitness enthusiasts
According to the organisation, the competition is interesting for various types of athletes. Experienced swimmers will have to deal with tough exercises in between their swimming sections, whilst fitness athletes will be challenged by the 1,600 metres they cover in the water during the race.
The H2ROX takes place on Sunday 30 August at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool in Alkmaar. The race starts at 13:00. Those not competing themselves are welcome to come and watch for free and cheer on the participants. More information about H2ROX can be found at www.h2rox.nl.
