HYROX is not the only place where Hong Beom Seok tests his endurance.
The South Korean hybrid athlete and star of Physical 100 recently returned to Seoul’s iconic 63 Building to tackle a demanding six-climb stair challenge, a feat that required participants to repeatedly ascend the building’s 63 floors. The challenge was featured in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel and offered a different kind of fitness test from the races that have been a focus for much of his 2026 season.
“It’s harder than HYROX,” he said after completing all six climbs. “It almost felt like Ironman to me.”
Comparing Stairs and HYROX
Hong first completed the six-climb challenge last year and returned in 2026 as part of a team competition alongside former UFC fighter Kim Dong-hyun.
While the format differed from HYROX, many of the same physical demands were present. Athletes needed to manage pacing, control fatigue, and maintain output over a prolonged effort.
Hong noted that he had not completed any dedicated stair training since his previous appearance at the event. Instead, he was curious to see whether his HYROX-focused preparation would translate to improved performance.
A Faster Result Than Last Year
Despite battling fatigue from an early start and dealing with discomfort in his feet during the climbs, Hong improved his overall time by approximately two and a half minutes compared to last year.
His 2025 performance was around 57 minutes and 30 seconds. This year, he completed the challenge in the low 55-minute range. The improvement comes during a busy period of racing.
In recent months, Hong has competed across multiple HYROX events throughout the APAC region, including Singapore, Brisbane, Hong Kong, and Incheon. His season highlights include a Pro Doubles victory in Singapore alongside Gabe Heck and a relay win at HYROX Incheon.
Finding Value in Difficult Challenges
What stood out most was not the finishing time. Hong repeatedly emphasized the satisfaction that comes from overcoming difficult experiences.
“But it’s the same for HYROX,” he explained. “When the process you go through is truly hard and difficult, the pride when you overcome it becomes double or triple.”
For an athlete known for seeking out demanding tests, the stair challenge offered another reminder of why he continues to compete.
About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer passionate about fitness, sports, and active living. He has experience in songwriting and managing content and social media for online radio and magazine platforms.
He covers HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, with a focus on performance, mindset, and athlete development.
Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his kids, and plays the guitar.
