Fresh off her record-breaking win at the Valentine’s 10K, race two in the 2025 Sportlink Grand Prix Series, where she stormed to victory in 34:12, Holly Archer is proving that strength training and cross-training – particularly through HYROX – can play a crucial role in a runner’s performance.
As she gears up for her first-ever marathon at the London Marathon in April, Archer has credited HYROX – a fast-growing hybrid endurance event – for helping her stay injury-free and improving her overall fitness.
What is HYROX?
HYROX is a fitness race that combines endurance running with functional fitness exercises. Participants complete eight 1-kilometre runs, with a functional workout in between each, including movements such as sled pushes, rowing, lunges, and burpees. It has seen a surge in popularity, attracting athletes from different sports due to its blend of cardiovascular and strength challenges.
For Archer, previously a 1500m specialist, HYROX has provided a new challenge that still aligns with her running background.
“I’ve always wanted to do a HYROX because it’s still essentially five miles of running,” she explains. “You’ve then got eight compromised gym movements, and being a 1500m runner, you’re required to have that lactic-end strength. I thought that maybe I’d be good at it.”
HYROX success and training balance
Archer recently competed in her first HYROX event in Manchester, where she emerged victorious, before following it up with another win in Cape Town. Despite her rapid success in the competition, she insists she is not switching sports but rather using HYROX as a way to complement her running.
“I’ve got so much more room for improvement in the upper body, but I love it – it’s different. I’m trying to be good at both. It’s not like I’m moving sport,” she says.
To incorporate HYROX training into her marathon preparation, Archer has adjusted her routine, swapping out some traditional runs for strength-based gym sessions.
“I don’t have to change too much,” she added.” t’s just about figuring out a good gym routine and getting in the gym a bit more, perhaps losing a run for a gym session because it takes its toll on your body.”
Injury prevention and strength benefits
Beyond improving her overall strength and fitness, Archer believes Hyrox training has played a significant role in keeping her injury-free throughout her marathon buildup.
“I think it’s helping with injury prevention. With running, you’re on your legs for two and a half hours – that’s muscular endurance. Doing a HYROX – 100m of lunges – that’s also muscular endurance. It can’t be too bad for my body – I think it can only help!”
Strength training and cross-training have long been recommended for runners, but Archer highlights how HYROX provides measurable improvements, making it a more engaging way to incorporate strength work into her plan.
“Sometimes you look at gym work and you can’t see a time or a performance next to it. But if you develop more muscular endurance, then you can send the uphills and the downhills a bit more.”
With London fast approaching, Archer remains optimistic about her preparations.
“It is important, and if you can get it right, then you will see improvement. I haven’t been injured this year at all, and I think it’s because of the gym work. I feel like I’m stronger in all areas, and it has helped with niggles.”
MORE: Want a shoe for HYROX and running events? Check out the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4