THE WORLD’S FIRST KETTLEBELL RACE
The Giryathlon combines running with the most effective kettlebell exercises for maximum benefit
Build strength and endurance while taking your fitness to the next level by becoming a “Giryathlete” today!
From Coach Gregory’s Desk
Amriswil, Switzerland on a sunny day
Dear Kettlebell Enthusiasts,
My name is Gregory, and I’m not just a coach—I’m a passionate kettlebell practitioner and proud “Giryathlete.”
In 2019, I had the privilege of becoming certified by kettlebell legend Steve Cotter.
Since then, I’ve been captivated by the immense potential of the “Girya” (Russian for kettlebell) and its versatility in training.
However, the more I fell in love with kettlebell training, the more I’ve felt a growing frustration.
The mainstream fitness world hasn’t yet realized the true capabilities of kettlebell training.
And too often, genuine experts have kept this knowledge under wraps.
Hidden in a secret dungeon where only a select few individuals acting as gatekeepers have access to.
Even in forward-thinking fitness movements like CrossFit and HyRox, the kettlebell remains underappreciated.
And Kettlebell Sport, the pinnacle of kettlebell competition, is intense and unglamorous, confined to a niche with little to no funding.
My frustration hit a boiling point at FIBO 2024, where kettlebells were treated as mere decorations rather than the main event.
Enough is enough!
I want to liberate the kettlebell out of obscurity and into the hands of people who want to improve their overall fitness.
That’s why I created the “Giryathlon”—a kettlebell fitness race with seven trials designed to showcase the kettlebell’s true power.
The Giryathlon is built on four core tenets:
1. The Seven Trials
The Seven Trials combine seven 400-meter runs with specific kettlebell exercises.
This dual approach allows you to master endurance and strength simultaneously, killing two birds with one stone.
2. Open Access
Everyone can participate in this race.
Whether you’re a beginner or an elite practitioner, the Giryathlon is for you.
While future “in-person” events are possible, you can complete the race on your own.
All you need is a kettlebell and a camera to film your journey.
3. Minimal equipment
We aim to move like hunter-gatherers, showcasing strength, skill, speed, endurance, and mobility.
This means we want to keep equipment (shoes, belts, braces, trackers) as minimal as possible.
Just you, your own two feet and your kettlebell.
4. Build Or Perform
While there are different weight divisions, the goal of the Giryathlon is not just to showcase your performance.
It’s also a fun way to enhance your General Physical Preparedness (GPP) and build general fitness and wellbeing.
This is a grassroots movement, and it starts with you.
If you’re ready to become a “Giryathlete,” join our Kettlebell Community and get your run officially registered.
Here’s to your physical empowerment,
1 - The Trial Of The Samurai
400 Meter Run + 10 Single Hand Swing/ Side
Embrace the discipline and precision of a samurai with a 400-meter run followed by 10 single-hand kettlebell swings on each side. This trial tests your endurance and builds unilateral strength.
2 - The Trial Of The Knight
400 Meter Run + 10 Clean & Press/ Side
Channel the power and resilience of a knight. After a 400-meter run, perform 10 clean and presses on each side. This trial focuses on full-body strength and explosive power.
3 - The Trial Of The Shaolin
400 Meter Run + 10 Snatch/ Side
Embody the agility and strength of a Shaolin monk with a 400-meter run followed by 10 snatches on each side. This trial challenges your coordination and cardiovascular endurance.
4 - The Trial Of The Ninja
400 Meter Run + 10 Goblet Squat
Move with the stealth and strength of a ninja. After a 400-meter run, perform 10 goblet squats to test your lower body strength and balance.
5 - The Trial Of The Spartan
400 Meter Run + 10 Windmill/ Side
Demonstrate the resilience and flexibility of a Spartan warrior. Complete a 400-meter run, then do 10 windmills on each side. This trial enhances your core stability and mobility.
6 - The Trial Of The Viking
400 Meter Run + 10 Jerk/ Side
Harness the brute strength and endurance of a Viking. Following a 400-meter run, perform 10 jerks on each side. This trial builds upper body power and cardiovascular fitness.
7 - The Trial Of The Immortal
400 Meter Suitcase Walk + 10 Burpee Every 100 Meters
Achieve the endurance and tenacity of an immortal. Carry a kettlebell in one hand for a 400-meter suitcase walk, performing 10 burpees every 100 meters. This final trial tests your full-body stamina and mental fortitude.
Divisions
- Beginner: 8KG (F) – 12KG (M)
- Pro: 12KG (F) – 24KG (M)
- Elite: 16KG (F) – 32KG (M)
- Doubles: Mixed weights and genders allowed
Rules
- Chalk is allowed
- Running on grass is recommended
- Minimalist shoes are recommended
- Must be registered here to be included in the official leaderboards
- Must film (and share) the whole race to to be included in the official leaderboards
- Doubles must finish all exercises together
- All kettlebell exercises must be completed unbroken
- Good technique is paramount and lifts must be considered “good”
Variations
Giryathlon Classic
- The full Giryathlon with all exercises and 400M runs
Giryathlon Navy
- Full Giryathlon with all kettlebell exercises; substituting the 400M runs with 400M row
Giryathlon Pure
- Giryathlon with all kettlebell exercises without the 400M run or row
- All exercises must be done unbroken with one side
- After completing both sides, 10 Burpees follow as a finisher