Dublin welcomes the fitness revolution: TRYKA’s inaugural event delivers pure adrenaline at the RDS
Last weekend, October 11–12, Dublin’s RDS Simmonscourt played host to an explosive display of athleticism and community spirit as the inaugural TRYKA fitness race burst onto the scene. For two days, over 5,000 athletes of all levels pushed their limits, testing their endurance and strength in the hybrid racing competition that lived up to all the hype.
Founded by Irish entrepreneur Brian Lee, TRYKA promised to be an accessible, community-first alternative to global competitors, and it delivered on that promise. The atmosphere was electric, with competitors and spectators alike fueling the energy in the “Tryzone”.
Cheers erupted throughout the RDS as participants navigated a grueling series of eight workout stations interspersed with intense running intervals.
Bodyfirst Nutrition owner, Ray Shah, was one of the MC’s for the event and competed in the race himself coming 2nd in his age group and 19th overall with a time of 58:26 in the solo men’s Pro 800 race.
A Race For Everyone
TRYKA’s biggest success was its ability to cater to every fitness level. Seasoned pros battled for podium spots in the challenging TRYKA 800, while others embraced the shorter, beginner-friendly TRYKA 500, which offers modified workouts and shorter runs. The event also featured a team-building Relay, with teammates pushing each other to the finish line in a true display of camaraderie.
This inclusivity was a recurring theme throughout the weekend, a testament to the event’s ethos. The TRYKA team, led by Brian Lee, made it clear that this was more than just a competition—it was about creating something positive and building connections. And the community responded, with participants supporting each other every step of the way.
Standout Performances And Inspirational Moments
The event was filled with incredible stories of determination and resilience:
- Stacey Brady, a blind athlete, inspired many with her heroic performance. As one coach put it, she “didn’t let blindness define her limits – she redefined them”.
- Father and son, Paddy (72) and Colin McDonnell (4o) completed the race together in under 59 minutes.
- Lisa and Aoife O’Rourke set an unreal pace in the Women’s Pro Double with a winning time of 49:34
These stories highlight the true spirit of TRYKA—it’s not just about winning, but about pushing personal boundaries and drawing strength from the community.
What’s next for TRYKA?
TRYKA’s inaugural Autumn Race was a smashing success, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead. The league will continue to grow over the next 12 months, with events across Ireland culminating in a Grand Finale in the Algarve in October 2026.
For those who missed out on the action, or for those who can’t get enough, the next race is already on the horizon. The TRYKA Winter Race 2 is scheduled to take place back in Dublin at the RDS Simmonscourt on January 31 and February 1, 2026.
If last weekend was any indication, the Irish hybrid fitness scene has found its new champion. TRYKA has officially arrived, and it’s here to stay.
