Westlake Staff Join the World’s Fastest Growing Fitness Race
Three staff members from Westlake Girls High School recently joined the massive wave of athletes at the increasingly popular HYROX competition. Held at the Auckland Showgrounds earlier this month, the event saw a staggering 11,000 athletes register to test their limits in a unique blend of cardio and strength. With an “open-door” philosophy, and no time cap, female participation has seen a massive rise. Globally, the number of women competing has jumped from 24% in 2020 to 38% in 2025—a trend clearly reflected in the packed, high-energy waves at the Auckland Showgrounds.
Joanne Mersh and Lizzi McCormack each raced with partners in the Women’s Doubles event, while Camila Tornquist took on the challenge in the Mixed Doubles division, each completing a total of 8km of running separated by a functional workout station: SkiErg, Sled Push & Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Row, Farmer’s Carry, Sandbag Lunges and finishing with100 Wall Balls
The Westlake team agreed that while the physical requirements were tough—and running outside in the Auckland summer heat was particularly brutal—the real challenge was the “mental game.”
Congratulations to Joanne, Lizzi, and Camila for showing our young wahine that fitness and age have no limits and that with the right mindset, you can overcome anything.
Main image above: Lizzi McCormack