More than 100 athletes from across London and the South East descended on Harrow this weekend for a new outdoor fitness competition combining long-distance running with strength-based challenges.
The inaugural ATHCO event took place on Saturday 16 May at Bannister Sports Centre, turning the athletics track into a large outdoor fitness arena complete with live DJs, food vans and spectator areas.
ATHCO has been designed as an outdoor alternative to indoor fitness races such as HYROX, with competitors taking on a series of demanding physical challenges between runs around the track.
Image: ATHCO
Participants had to complete eight 800m runs alongside eight different strength stations testing endurance, stamina and power. The fitness stations included farmer’s carry, squat to press, atlas stone carry, box step-overs, duck walk carry, ground to shoulder, yoke carry and bear crawl drag.
The race was open to both solo competitors and same-sex doubles teams, with athletes aged from 25 to over 60 taking part.
Across the day, competitors collectively ran more than 570km while completing over 700 strength stations involving heavy carries, lifts and drags using equipment such as atlas stones, sandbags and weighted yokes.
Image: ATHCO
Unlike many similar events which are held indoors, ATHCO was designed to take place entirely outdoors on a professional athletics track. Live DJs provided music throughout the day, creating what organisers described as a festival-style atmosphere for both competitors and spectators.
The event was also supported by local volunteers who helped set up the course, manage stations and support athletes throughout the day.
Many competitors praised the atmosphere and outdoor setup.
Sailesh Mistry, 51 from Harrow who competed in the event, said: “The atmosphere was incredible all day. Racing outdoors on the track with the live music and crowd support gave it such a different feel to other fitness events. It was tough but really welcoming and very organised.”
Sue Rakowski, 43, from Ruislip, who also took part in the event, added: “There was such a strong community atmosphere throughout the day. Everyone was encouraging each other regardless of ability, and the outdoor setup made it feel really exciting both as a competitor and for spectators watching.”
ATHCO founder Will Wells, who has lived locally for more than 25 years, said the launch event exceeded expectations.
Image: ATHCO
Will Wells said: “To see athletes of all levels out there supporting each other and pushing themselves was exactly what ATHCO was created for. We wanted to bring something different to the local fitness scene, an outdoor event that combines competition, atmosphere and community – and the response has been incredible.
“One of the best things about the day was seeing first-time racers lining up alongside experienced hybrid athletes and everyone encouraging each other across the finish line. That community atmosphere is what ATHCO is all about.
“A huge thank you also goes to all of the volunteers who gave up their time to help set up the course, support competitors throughout the day and pack everything away afterwards. The event simply wouldn’t have happened without their energy, commitment and support.”
Following the success of the Harrow event, organisers have announced the next ATHCO race will take place on Saturday 5 September 2026 at Merchant Taylors’ School in Northwood.
Chris Mitchell is founder and editor of Harrow Online. Covering breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning and events across Harrow and surrounding areas.