ATHX vs Braveheart Battle : distance, stations, prix et difficulté comparés (2026-27)

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.

The Braveheart Battle is an old-school obstacle race held each March on the slopes around the Skiarena Silbersattel in Steinach, Thuringia. It is organised by Be Brave Go Hard GmbH, based in Steinach. The event moved from the Rhön to the Thuringian Forest in 2019.

The main challenge is the natural terrain: a hilly cross-country course with steep climbs in wintry conditions, plus added obstacles that need no complicated rulebook. The race starts with a mass start and the 'KillHill' sprint from the valley station to the middle station. Runners choose between the Rookie distance of about 10 km and the Original distance of about 20 km. The organiser requires participants to be able to swim, to wear trail shoes with good grip and gloves, and to be at least 16 years old, and sets a time limit of five hours. Awards go to the fastest women, men and teams. It suits fit trail runners and experienced obstacle racers.