ATHX vs Turf Games: distance, stations, price & difficulty compared (2026-27)
ATHX has 37 upcoming events in 14 countries (entry €94–€275, $129–$269 +3 currencies); Turf Games has 5 upcoming events in 3 countries (entry A$690, £85–£620 +1 currency). Data from 42 event listings, updated daily.
Verdict
ATHX: 3 timed workouts in a 2.5 h session. Turf Games: team festival, ~4 × 15 min workouts. Entry: ATHX €94–€275, $129–$269 +3 currencies; Turf Games A$690, £85–£620 +1 currency. Both are rated Intermediate. ATHX has more upcoming events (37 in 14 countries vs 5 in 3 countries).
2.5-hour hybrid fitness test: strength, endurance and MetCon zones
Team functional fitness competitions and festivals, founded in London
Key differences
- FormatATHX: 2.5-hour continuous competition across 6 zones: 3 scored workouts (Strength, Endurance, MetCon X) separated by warm-up, refuel and recovery zonesTurf Games: Team fitness festival: about 4 workouts of ~15 min each
- Stations / obstaclesATHX: Strength 20 min (1RM strict press, 3RM back squat, 5RM deadlift) · Endurance 30 min (run + row) · MetCon X 30 min (7 stations, 25-min cap)Turf Games: Usually 4 team workouts
- DivisionsATHX: ATHX Lite (pairs only), ATHX, ATHX Pro; solo or pairs (same-sex or mixed)Turf Games: Teams only (mostly mixed teams of 6); Everyday, Intermediate, Elite
- DifficultyATHX: IntermediateTurf Games: Intermediate
- Entry price (upcoming events)ATHX: €94–€275, $129–$269 +3 currenciesTurf Games: A$690, £85–£620 +1 currency
- Upcoming eventsATHX: 37 events in 14 countriesTurf Games: 5 events in 3 countries
ATHX vs Turf Games side by side
Format facts from the organisers: athxgames.com, athxgames.com, athxgames.com, turfgames.com, turfgames.com. Event counts and prices from race.fitness listings.
Next ATHX races
- ATHX Amsterdam 2026 · 7 Nov 2026
- ATHX Los Angeles 2026 · 7 Nov 2026
- ATHX Finals 2026 · 27 Nov 2026
Next Turf Games races
- Turf Games Dubai Fitness Festival 2026 · 20 Nov 2026
- Turf Games Dubai Engine 2026 · 20 Nov 2026
- Turf Games London Winter Engine 2027 · 6 Feb 2027
What is ATHX?
ATHX is a UK-born hybrid fitness competition, co-founded by coach Ollie Marchon, that now runs events across the UK, Europe and the United States. Each ATHX event is a continuous 2.5-hour session across six zones. Every competitor completes the same three workouts: a Strength zone (20 minutes), an Endurance zone (30 minutes) and a MetCon X zone (30 minutes). These are separated by a warm-up zone, a refuel zone and a recovery zone. The workouts and movement standards are published for each season.
Athletes enter as singles or pairs, in an ATHX or a harder ATHX PRO category, and pairs can be same-sex or mixed. Season results lead to the ATHX Finals, held in Lisbon in 2026. The fixed rest periods and clear divisions make ATHX accessible to first-timers, while the strength element suits athletes who lift as well as run and row.
What is Turf Games?
Turf Games is a team-based functional fitness competition that tests strength, speed, endurance and teamwork. It started in 2018 as a way to bring London's fitness community together. It was founded by Andrew Manteit and now holds events in cities including London, Dubai, Singapore and Brisbane.
There are several competition formats. Fitness Festivals are run for teams of six athletes, with music, food and entertainment around the competition floor. The City Tour is for teams of four, ranked on one global leaderboard, and Engine is Turf Games' hybrid fitness race. Teams pick a division that matches their level: Everyday is the entry point, with lighter weights and no high-skill movements, while Intermediate and Elite bring heavier loads and more skilled elements. This makes Turf Games suitable for gym groups and friends competing together as well as experienced competitors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ATHX and Turf Games?
ATHX: 2.5-hour continuous competition across 6 zones: 3 scored workouts (Strength, Endurance, MetCon X) separated by warm-up, refuel and recovery zones (running: Run/row intervals inside the 30-min Endurance zone (2026: Lite 500 m, ATHX 750 m, Pro 1 km; 22-min cap); no running between workouts). Turf Games: Team fitness festival: about 4 workouts of ~15 min each.
Is ATHX harder than Turf Games?
Both are rated Intermediate, so neither is clearly harder on paper. The tests differ, though: ATHX is 3 timed workouts in a 2.5 h session; Turf Games is team festival, ~4 × 15 min workouts. How hard either feels depends on the division you enter: ATHX offers ATHX Lite (pairs only), ATHX, ATHX Pro; solo or pairs (same-sex or mixed); Turf Games offers Teams only (mostly mixed teams of 6); Everyday, Intermediate, Elite.
How many ATHX and Turf Games races are coming up?
Race.Fitness lists 37 upcoming ATHX events in 14 countries (United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, France) and 5 upcoming Turf Games events in 3 countries (United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Australia).
Is ATHX or Turf Games cheaper to enter?
Entry prices for upcoming events: ATHX €94–€275, $129–$269 +3 currencies; Turf Games A$690, £85–£620 +1 currency. Prices vary by division, ticket wave and country.
When is the next ATHX or Turf Games race?
The next ATHX event is ATHX Amsterdam 2026 on 7 Nov 2026. The next Turf Games event is Turf Games Dubai Fitness Festival 2026 on 20 Nov 2026.
Which is better for beginners, ATHX or Turf Games?
Both ATHX and Turf Games need a base of running and strength fitness. Check each event’s divisions: most offer an open or team option that is easier than the pro or elite level.