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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about Race Rita, our events, the Triple B race format and the macebells. Whether you're new to our fitness challenges or looking for details to prepare for race day, you’ll find everything you need right here.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us — we’re here to help!
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Who is Rita?Rita is our relentless virtual competitor, designed to challenge every participant. She gives you a 6-minute head start before starting at a steady pace — but don’t get too comfortable! Rita gets faster and faster as you progress, while fatigue sets in. Your race ends when Rita inevitably catches you.
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How fast is Rita?Rita gives all participants a 6-minute head start before setting off at an average pace. From there, she steadily gets faster and faster. Fitter and faster athletes might initially pull ahead, especially if they exceed her starting pace. However, Rita's relentless acceleration and your inevitable fatigue mean there’s no escape — she always catches up in the end.
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What is Triple B?Triple B is a unique race format that challenges your fitness in three key ways: BURN, BUILD, and BALANCE. BURN stations focus on cardio using Concept2 Erg machines, while BUILD and BALANCE stations target strength and stability using a macebell. There are nine functional movements in total: three BURN stations (300m each), three BUILD stations (strength-focused), and three BALANCE stations (core and balance-focused). Levels repeat with escalating reps for BUILD and BALANCE movements, creating an ever-increasing challenge until Rita catches you.
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What are my options for participating in a race?Race Rita offers multiple ways to take on the challenge of our Triple B race format: Race individually in the SPRINT format Partner up with a friend in the ENDURO format Join a team to compete in our Fitness Battle (see "How does the Fitness Battle work?") Each option offers a unique way to test yourself against Rita. For details about SPRINT and ENDURO formats, see "What are the SPRINT and ENDURO race formats?"
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What are the SPRINT and ENDURO race formats?Race Rita's Triple B event offers two formats to test yourself against Rita: SPRINT Format Individual challenge 300m on BURN stations (Concept2 Ergs) Starts at 6 reps for BUILD and BALANCE stations Rep count increases by 3 every three levels: Levels 1-3: 6 reps Levels 4-6: 9 reps Levels 7-9: 12 reps (And so on until Rita catches you) ENDURO Format Two-person challenge 600m total on BURN stations (300m each person) Starts at 12 reps for BUILD and BALANCE stations Rep count increases by 3 every three levels: Levels 1-3: 12 reps Levels 4-6: 18 reps Levels 7-9: 24 reps (And so on until Rita catches you) Partners can divide reps however they choose Both partners must use the same macebell weight Open to any pairing (male/male, female/female, or mixed)
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How does Race Rita compare to HYROX?Both Race Rita and HYROX deliver premium functional fitness racing experiences, but with some key differences: Unique Features of Race Rita: NO RUNNING required - our cardio is entirely on Concept2 machines NO BURPEES - we focus on functional movements that test your fitness without high-impact exercises Adaptive challenge - Rita gets faster as you fatigue, creating a personalized test of your limits Accessible pricing - designed to make functional fitness racing more affordable Easy entry - no ballot system, making it simpler to secure your race spot Features that are shared across Race Rita and HYROX: Standardized format allowing performance comparison across events Comprehensive test of strength, endurance, and mental toughness Inclusive for all fitness levels and every body - our movements are scalable and accessible to all abilities Multiple participation options: Individuals (SPRINT) or Pairs (ENDURO) Focus on functional movements Professional event organization Indoor comfort, all year round: No worrying about unpredictable weather! Race Rita events take place indoors, providing a consistent and controlled setting so you can focus entirely on your race Race Rita brings the excitement of functional fitness racing to more athletes through our innovative format and accessible approach. Whether you're an experienced HYROX competitor looking for a new challenge or someone wanting to try their first fitness race, Race Rita offers a unique way to test your fitness.
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What is a macebell?The macebell is a unique training tool with a history that dates back to ancient cultures, where it was used as a tool for strength and combat training. It combines elements of a kettlebell and a barbell, featuring a long handle with a weighted ball at one end. This off-centre design challenges your grip, core, and coordination, making it a versatile piece of equipment for dynamic exercises such as swings, presses, and rotations. The macebell's design is particularly effective for building strength, stability, and mobility. In Race Rita’s Triple B format, the macebell is used in both the BUILD and BALANCE stations for an effective full-body challenge.
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How heavy are the macebells?You get to pick the weight of your mace bell according to your experience and ability level, choosing from; 4kg, 6kg, 8kg, 10kg, 12kg For the ENDURO Pairs race, both people need to be able to work with the same macebell weight. In Race Rita's Triple B format, the macebell is used in both BUILD and BALANCE stations for an effective full-body challenge. See next question for pointers on picking the right macebell weight for you...
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Where can I buy a macebell?You can buy a macebell from our partner, Gravity Fitness. We highly recommend Gravity Fitness for their premium-quality macebells, designed to withstand intense training while delivering exceptional performance and durability. Use the code RACERITA10 at checkout to get 10% off your order. Click here to visit the Gravity Fitness online shop and buy your macebell!
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How do I pick the right macebell weight for me?Since most participants will be new to using a macebell, we recommend selecting your weight based on your experience with familiar gym equipment. Due to the macebell's unique leverage and movement patterns, you'll want to start lighter than you might expect. Here's how macebell weights compare to equipment you may be more familiar with, as an indicative guide: 4kg macebell - Start here if you typically use: Dumbbells up to 6kg (13lbs) Kettlebells up to 12kg (22lbs) Perfect for learning proper form and technique, which is crucial for the BUILD and BALANCE movements 6kg macebell - Choose this if you regularly work with: Dumbbells up to 8kg (17lbs) Kettlebells up to 16kg (35lbs) Suitable for those with good overall strength and fitness 8kg macebell - Appropriate if you consistently train with: Dumbbells of 10kg - 12kg+ (22lbs - 26lbs+) Kettlebells of 20kg+ (44lbs+) Ideal for people who regularly engage in strength training or functional fitness training 10kg macebell - Select this if you consistently train with: Dumbbells of 12kg - 20kg+ (26lbs - 44lbs+) Comfortably swing 24kg+ (53lbs+) kettlebells For strong and experienced athletes / fitness enthusiasts 12kg macebell - Our heaviest option, suitable for elite athletes who are comfortable with high-rep workouts with the following: Dumbbells of 15kg - 25kg+ (33lbs - 55lbs+) Comfortably swing 28kg+ (62lbs+) kettlebells For very strong and fit athletes Remember: Triple B involves high-rep sequences that become increasingly challenging as Rita gains on you. It's better to maintain perfect form with a lighter weight than to compromise technique with a heavier one. You'll be performing both explosive movements (BUILD) and controlled stability work (BALANCE), so choose a weight that allows you to excel at both. The macebell creates unique challenges through leverage and rotation. Since Triple B involves high-rep sequences that get progressively harder, we recommend starting lighter than you think you need. You can always scale up in future races once you've mastered the movements.
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What are the 3 BURN exercise stations in the Triple B race format?The BURN exercises use Concept2 Cardio Erg machines: [1] Concept2 Bike Erg [2] Concept2 Ski Erg [3] Concept2 Row Erg (rower / rowing machine) Each BURN station requires you to complete 300 metres for the SPRINT individuals race and 600 metres for the ENDURO pairs race (where each person in the pair does 300m each)
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What are the 3 BUILD exercise stations in the Triple B race format?These all require a macebell. The 3 exercises are: [1] Squat + Switch [2] Shoulder Press + Bicep Curl [3] Single-arm Chest Press The rep count starts low and increases by a count of 3, every 3 levels. The starting rep count is 6 reps for the SPRINT individuals race and 12 reps for ENDURO pairs race.
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What are the 3 BALANCE exercise stations in the Triple B race format?These all require a macebell. The 3 exercises are: [1] Reverse Lunge + Uppercut [2] Bear-Hold + Pull-through [3] Sit-up + Tap The rep count starts low and increases by a count of 3, every 3 levels. The starting rep count is 6 reps for the SPRINT individuals race and 12 reps for ENDURO pairs race.
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How does the Fitness Battle work?The Fitness Battle is a team-based competition where gyms, sports clubs, and fitness communities compete against each other for glory. Here's how it works: TEAM FORMATION: Form a team with members from your gym or sports club No maximum team size limit Teams need a minimum of 4 race entries to qualify for the Fitness Battle RACE OPTIONS: SPRINT format: Individual challenge ENDURO format: Two-person paired challenge Teams can mix and match between SPRINT and ENDURO entries SCORING SYSTEM: Your team's score is calculated using your 4 highest-performing race entries For example, if your team has 10 race entries (mix of SPRINTs and ENDURO pairs), we'll count the 4 that reached the highest levels Each entry's score is the level they reached before Rita caught them These 4 scores are added together for your team's total EXAMPLE: If your team's top 4 entries reached levels 10, 12, 14, and 16, your team's total score would be 52 (10 + 12 + 14 + 16 = 52) FLEXIBLE ENTRY OPTIONS: You can achieve your 4 qualifying race entries through any combination: 4 individual SPRINT racers 2 ENDURO pairs (counting as 4 entries) A mix of both (e.g. 2 SPRINT racers + 1 ENDURO pair) The more entries your team has, the better your chances of achieving a high score - but only your top 4 will count towards the final result.
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How long do Triple B races typically last?There's no fixed finish line in Race Rita - your race continues until Rita catches you! The stronger and fitter you are, the longer you'll stay ahead of her relentless pursuit. Typical race durations: SPRINT format (individual): 20 - 45+ minutes ENDURO format (pairs): 40 - 90+ minutes Remember: These are just guidelines. Your actual race time depends on your fitness level, pacing strategy, and how long you can maintain your form as the rep counts increase. Some exceptional athletes may push beyond these ranges, while others might find Rita catching them sooner - that's the beauty of the challenge!
CAN'T FIND THE ANSWER YOU NEED?
There are different categories of questions (e.g. General, Macebells, Triple B race format) which you can browse by changing the Category using the menu above the questions.
If we haven't answered your question, then please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
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