Mayor McHugh gears up for MAYOR-ROX at Mac Tíre Strength and Conditioning
23 April 2026
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has been put through his paces by Mac Tíre Strength and Conditioning in Aghyaran ahead of his Hyrox simulation event in the Melvin Sports Complex next month.
The session, hosted by the event sponsors in his home town, gave Mayor McHugh and other participants a first-hand experience of the Hyrox-style format and a valuable opportunity to prepare for the physical demands of the event.
MAYOR-ROX will take place on Saturday May 30th at the revamped Melvin Sports Complex, marking the district’s first ever mass participation Hyrox simulation event.
The event is being delivered in partnership with local fitness provider Vincent Sweeney of Maiden City Games and will raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charities PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland and the Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund.
Hyrox is a rapidly growing indoor fitness competition combining running with functional workout stations, designed to test strength, endurance, and determination across a challenging but accessible format for all fitness levels.
Reflecting on the training session, Mayor McHugh said it was a valuable insight into what participants can expect on race day.
“Getting the chance to take part in the training session with Mac Tíre Strength and Conditioning was fantastic,” said Mayor McHugh.
“It really brought the Hyrox format to life and gave us a genuine sense of the challenge ahead.
“It’s demanding, it’s fast-paced, and it’s a true test of strength and endurance but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
“A huge thank you to John and Ronan for their expertise, encouragement and hospitality.
“Their support has been invaluable in building excitement and confidence ahead of MAYOR-ROX.”
Mac Tíre Strength and Conditioning, led by endurance athlete John McDermott and Tyrone All-Ireland winner and All Star Ronan McNamee, is based at Evolve Gym in Agharan.
The session was highlighted as an excellent example of how Hyrox-style training can appeal to people of all abilities while encouraging wider participation in functional fitness.
Coach John McDermott thanked the Mayor for his visit: “We were honoured to host the Mayor and all the participants for this special training session ahead of his MAYOR-ROX event.
“Hyrox is about pushing your own limits in a supportive environment, and everyone who took part showed great determination.
“Mass participation events like this are a brilliant way to bring people together, promote fitness, and challenge yourself regardless of your experience level.”
Coach Ronan McNamee encourged people to get involved: “It’s great to be part of something that’s helping people improve their fitness and overall wellbeing.
“The enthusiasm from those attending the sessions has been brilliant, and you can feel the excitement growing as the event approaches.
“We’re proud to help guide people on their journey, no matter their starting point. I’d encourage anyone interested to get signed up and be part of it.”
The MAYOR-ROX will feature chip-timed categories for solo competitors and relay teams of two or four, as well as a Half-Rox option for those not ready for the full distance.
All participants will receive a commemorative event T-shirt, with awards presented across categories.
Registration remains open at: https://www.derrystrabane.com/mayorrox
A minimum donation of £50 applies, with participants encouraged to undertake additional fundraising in support of the Mayor’s charities.
Full event details, including safety guidance and code of conduct, are available on the website.
For further information or to donate, visit: www.derrystrabane.com/mayor