Turf Games
/ tɜːf ɡeɪmz / · proper noun
Also: Turf Games UK, Turf ENGINE, Fittest in the City
Turf Games is a UK-founded team functional fitness competition. The event is a festival, not a single race. Athletes compete in mixed teams (typically 5–6 athletes, mixed gender) across four to five high-intensity workouts in a 95-minute window. Success is measured by total work output within the time cap, not by who crosses a finish line first. The format excludes muscle-ups and heavy Olympic lifts to keep it accessible to gym-goers.
Race format
A Turf Games event has four workouts, each testing a different aspect of fitness: run, row, bike, lift, carry. Common implements include sandbags, Echo Bikes, RowErgs, and Tank sleds. Each team is on the turf for roughly 95 minutes plus warm-up. Unlike HYROX's continuous individual race, Turf Games is closer to a CrossFit team competition: time-boxed work blocks where teams split labour to maximise total output.
Sub-formats
- Winter Festival / Summer Festival: the flagship events, teams of 6 (3M + 3W).
- Fittest in the City: regional events using teams of 4.
- Turf ENGINE: the sub-format closest to HYROX in spirit. A pure cardiovascular endurance race for athletes who want to test their engine without a team.
Accessibility
Turf Games removes the technical barrier. No muscle-ups, no clean-and-jerks at threshold, no skill-gated movements. The format rewards raw output and teamwork over technique. That makes it a useful entry point for gym-goers who find CrossFit too technical and HYROX too solitary.
How Turf Games differs from HYROX
- Team-first: Turf Games is built around teams; HYROX is primarily an individual race with optional Doubles and Relay.
- Multi-WOD vs single race: 4–5 separate workouts vs HYROX's one continuous 8-station race.
- Time-boxed: ~95 minutes on the floor regardless of how many workouts you finish; HYROX runs until you cross the line.
- Atmosphere: Festival energy with spectators, music, and food vendors; HYROX feels closer to a marathon expo.
2026 calendar
The UK Winter Festival is traditionally held at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. Summer Festival and Fittest in the City events run through the year. Check the official site for the current schedule and venues.
FAQ
How do Turf Games work?
Athletes compete in four workouts testing different aspects of fitness: run, row, bike, lift, carry. Each team spends roughly 95 minutes on the turf.
Where are the Turf Games in 2026?
The flagship UK Winter Festival is at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. Other events run in the UK, Sydney, and selected international cities. Check the official site for the current calendar.
What's the difference between Turf Games and HYROX?
HYROX is primarily an individual race; Turf Games is a team format. HYROX runs one continuous 8-station race scored by finish time; Turf Games runs 4–5 separate workouts in a 95-minute window, scored by total output. Turf Games also excludes technical movements like muscle-ups and heavy Olympic lifts.
What fitness level do you need for Turf Games?
Any level from rookie to elite. The format deliberately avoids technical lifts and gymnastic styles, so general gym-goers can compete without a CrossFit-grade movement library.
Can spectators attend?
Yes, and spectator tickets are usually free for athletes' supporters. The festival format is built around spectator energy. Check the specific event page for venue check-in requirements.
What is Turf ENGINE?
The pure cardiovascular endurance sub-format. Closer in spirit to HYROX: a solo race aimed at athletes who want to test their aerobic engine without the team-festival structure.