News

Mayor-rox to bring hundreds of competitors to Strabane this weekend

29 May 2026

Hundreds of athletes and spectators are expected to descend on Strabane on Saturday as the District’s first large-scale Hyrox simulation event gets underway at Melvin Sports Complex.
MAYOR-ROX, hosted by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, in partnership with Maiden City Games, has attracted almost 300 registered competitors who will take part across a range of solo and relay categories throughout the day.
The major fitness fundraiser will support the Mayor’s chosen charities for his year in office — PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland and the Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund.
Hyrox-style fitness events combine running with functional workout stations and have rapidly grown in popularity worldwide due to their accessibility and inclusive format.
Mayor McHugh said he was looking forward to welcoming competitors and supporters to Strabane for what promises to be a memorable occasion.
“The response to MAYOR-ROX has been absolutely fantastic and I’m delighted that so many competitors will be taking part in our first ever event,” he said.
“It’s shaping up to be a brilliant day for Strabane, bringing together competitors, spectators and supporters for a unique event while raising vital funds for two extremely deserving charities.
“I want to thank everyone who has registered, donated, supported the event and helped organise the day, particularly Maiden City Games and the staff at Melvin Sports Complex.”
The event will feature chip-timed competition across several categories, including solo races, relay teams and the Half-Rox section.
Maiden City Games founder Vincent Sweeney said the atmosphere on the day is expected to be electric.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing MAYOR-ROX to Strabane this weekend,” he said.
“The interest and support for the event has been incredible and we can’t wait to welcome competitors of all abilities to Melvin Sports Complex.
“The event is designed to challenge participants while creating a great experience for spectators and supporters throughout the day.”
Competitors have already received their allocated start times ahead of Saturday’s event, with spectators encouraged to attend and support participants throughout the day.
The event will start at 8.30am with the Males Doubles section and Mayor McHugh will compete in the Team Relay section at 1.20pm along with his Council colleague Councillor Aisling Hutton, her sister Nora McGowan and the Mayor’s friend Paul McGarvey.
The last group out will be the Half-Rox competitors from 1.40pm and the event is expected to conclude at around 4pm.
FREE limited car parking for the event is available in the Melvin Sports Complex carpark and attendees are asked to follow all instructions from on site security.

Additional parking is available within the town centre, and visitors are encouraged to make use of these facilities where possible.
Further information on the Mayor’s charities is available at www.derrystrabane.com/mayor