Fitness Training
Jake Dearden finally secured his spot at the HYROX World Championships with a career-best performance in Glasgow – while also revealing the surprising role of his eye-catching headband.
The HYROX Glasgow Elite 15 race was nothing short of spectacular, with Australia’s James Kelly dominating the event, narrowly missing the world record with a blistering time of 53m 22s. While the top of the leaderboard was a display of raw speed and endurance, the real story unfolded further down the ranks – where Jake Dearden, against the odds, secured his long-awaited place at the HYROX World Championships.
Finishing in 6th place with a personal best of 55m 43s, Dearden locked in one of the three remaining World Championship spots on offer. Since four of the five athletes ahead of him had already qualified, his finish was good enough to secure his ticket to Chicago. It was a defining moment for the English athlete, who had been chasing this goal for years.
“I’m over the moon, to do it in the UK as well – it’s been incredible,” said Dearden in the post-race interview, who had the support of his girlfriend and coach cheering him on in Glasgow.
But it wasn’t an easy ride. At the start of the race, Dearden looked like he was struggling. “I wasn’t feeling that great,” he admitted, “but after the burpees, I realised I needed to start kicking.” And kick he did – delivering a powerful second half to cement his place among the world’s best.
Belief, hard work, and a game plan
Dearden had no doubts about his potential. “Everyone kept telling me I’d qualify, so I just thought I best start acting like it. You have to believe you can do it.” His self-belief, coupled with relentless training, finally paid off in Glasgow.
One area he worked hard to improve? Wall Balls. “I had to – I was sick of Beau Wills beating me,” he joked. His training paid off, as his stronger finish proved pivotal in clinching his qualification.
Running, HYROX and an unstoppable mindset
While many HYROX athletes come from a fitness background, Dearden has another strength – running. His talent on the road is undeniable, having clocked an impressive 2h 28m at the Berlin Marathon in 2024. But for Dearden, HYROX remains the priority. “Running is just an experience to get better at HYROX,” he explained. Up next? The Paris Marathon on April 13, another challenge that will only add to his endurance arsenal ahead of the World Championships.
The headband that turned heads: What was that?
Dearden’s performance wasn’t the only thing that caught attention – his unique headband did too. Sporting a Red Bull-branded white headband with protruding, gem-like grids, the look had fans wondering what it was all about. Turns out, those weren’t just for show.
“They’re cooling bricks – kind of like stones,” Dearden explained. “They increase the surface area of your head and help keep you cool. They come from triathlon tech and marathon runners use them too. It really worked.”
HYROX Glasgow Elite 15 men's results
- James Kelly (AUS) – 53m 22s
- Tim Wenisch (GER) – 54m 30s
- Rich Ryan (USA) – 54m 53s
- Beau Wills (NZL) – 55m 01s
- Pelayo Menendez (ESP) – 55m 22s
- Jake Dearden (GBR) – 55m 43s
Glasgow Elite 15 women’s race: Weeks’ redemption
On the women’s side, Lauren Weeks (USA) reclaimed her throne after a nail-biting battle with rising Australian star Joanna Wietrzyk. After falling behind early, Weeks powered through to the finish, setting a new world record of 56m 22s, edging out Wietrzyk, who finished in 56m 48s.
Their rivalry is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the sport, proving that HYROX is no longer just a race – it’s a full-time profession that demands elite training, dedication and mental toughness.
Glasgow Elite 15 women's results
- Lauren Weeks (USA) – 56m 22s 🌍 WR
- Joanna Wietrzyk (AUS) – 56m 48s
- Vivian Tafuto (USA) – 59m 37s
- Seka Arning (GER) – 1h 00m 27s
- Linda Meier (GER) – 1h 00m 49s
- Lucy Procter (GBR) – 1h 00m 57s
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