MACAU, Oct 19 — It has the Hyrox name, an 8km run and eight workout stations — but there is one rather important catch.

A Macau fitness group calling itself the Hyrox Association of Macau has admitted it has no official connection to the global fitness phenomenon, after the brand stepped in over the unauthorised use of its name and trademark.

But that has not stopped the group from pressing ahead with plans for a February competition that bears a striking resemblance to the real thing, according to South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The controversy began after the newly established association hosted a launch dinner last week, unveiling plans for the inaugural Macau Fitness Run Challenge on February 20 and 21, 2027, at the Galaxy International Convention Centre.

Its proposed format? An 8km run and eight functional workout stations.

Sound familiar?

That is the signature formula behind Hyrox, the fitness racing phenomenon that has attracted legions of enthusiasts worldwide with its gruelling combination of running and exercises including sled pushes, burpee broad jumps, rowing and wall balls.

However, the similarities quickly raised eyebrows among Macau’s fitness community, with enthusiasts questioning whether the proposed event was an unauthorised knock-off.

The similarities also caught the attention of the real Hyrox.

Gary Wan, Hyrox’s Asia-Pacific managing director, told SCMP last week that the company had contacted the Macau organisation and instructed it “to stop using the Hyrox name and branding.”

By Saturday, the association had issued a statement attempting to clear up the confusion.

While insisting it was “legally registered and established in accordance with Macau law”, the group acknowledged that it had “no affiliation with any authorised or recognised organisations of Hyrox”.

It also made clear that its planned competition was an independent event.

“This event is not an official Hyrox event, nor has it been organised, authorised, or sponsored by Hyrox in any form,” the statement said.

There is another twist.

Although the association’s Chinese name translates to Macau Fitness Run Association, government records show it was officially registered under the English name Hyrox Association of Macau.

Its charter, filed in August, even listed the promotion and development of Hyrox sports in Macau among its objectives.

At last week’s launch dinner, association president Jofe Tam unveiled plans for the February race, which will feature an 8km run and eight functional workout stations — a format almost identical to Hyrox’s signature competition.

The proposed event will also offer prize money to winners in the elite and team divisions to encourage participation.

Despite the controversy, the association maintained that it would “strictly respect intellectual property rights and provide accurate and reliable information to the public”.

It also pledged to continue promoting running and functional fitness in Macau.

Hyrox, meanwhile, told SCMP it had “no further comments at this moment” when approached about the association’s clarification.

The Macau government did not respond to a request for comment.

Macau has yet to host an official Hyrox competition, and the global brand has not announced plans to bring one to the city.

For now, fitness enthusiasts in Macau could still get their eight workout stations and 8km run next February.

Just don’t expect it to be an official Hyrox race.