一个新的运动比赛

He often goes running.

He runs every week.

One day, his friend came to see him.

The friend's name is Xiao Hong.

Xiao Hong is a girl.

She also likes sports.

Xiao Hong says: Xiao Ming.

I have an idea.

Xiao Ming says: what idea?

Xiao Hong says: let's do a new race together.

Xiao Ming says: sure.

What race?

Xiao Hong says: it's a new sports race.

It's very popular lately.

Xiao Ming says: what does "very popular" mean?

Xiao Hong says: it means lots of people like it.

Lots of people are doing it.

Now many countries around the world have it.

Xiao Ming says: oh.

I haven't heard of it.

Xiao Hong says: let me tell you.

This race has running.

It also has other movements.

You have to run one kilometer.

Then do one movement.

Then run another kilometer.

Then do another movement.

In total, you have to run eight times.

And do eight movements.

Xiao Ming says: eight times!

That's really a lot.

Xiao Hong says: yes.

But everyone loves it.

Why?

Because you can run with others.

You can also run alone.

You can also take photos.

Xiao Ming says: photos?

Xiao Hong says: yes.

After you finish running,

you stand at the last spot.

Someone takes a photo of you.

It's like you've completed a big thing.

Xiao Ming says: that's nice.

Xiao Hong says: there's another point.

This race isn't only running.

There are also eight movements.

They're all simple movements.

For example: push something.

For example: pull something.

For example: carry something while walking.

You also throw a big ball.

None of it is hard.

Xiao Ming says: sounds interesting.

Xiao Hong says: also.

This race isn't very dangerous.

Unlike other races.

Other races have many movements.

Some people get hurt.

"Get hurt" means the body isn't well anymore.

But this race's movements are simple.

Ordinary people can do them too.

Xiao Ming says: okay.

I want to try.

Xiao Hong says: good.

Let's do it together.

She says again: you know what?

Now lots of people in Asia do it too.

China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand all have it.

In some cities,

the race tickets sell out instantly.

There are no tickets left.

In some cities,

the first day of ticket sales they're already gone.

Sold out.

Xiao Ming says: wow.

That many people.

Xiao Hong says: yes.

Not only young people.

People in their thirties do it.

People in their forties do it.

Women do it.

Men do it.

Everyone does it.

Xiao Ming says: that's great.

Xiao Hong says: but there's one thing.

Before doing this race,

you have to practice.

You can't just go without preparing.

You have to first go to the gym.

You have to first run.

You have to first do some movements.

Once you're ready, then go race.

Xiao Ming says: okay.

I'll start practicing today.

Xiao Hong says: good.

Let's practice together.

Then we'll go race together.

Xiao Ming says: that's great.

Both of them are very happy.

They started today.

They go running together.

They do the movements together.

Practicing slowly.

Learning slowly.

Now let's talk about the real story.

This race is called HYROX.

H-Y-R-O-X.

It's an English name.

HYROX is a new sport.

It started in 2017.

It's not very old.

But it's developing very fast.

Now there are many races in the world.

About one hundred a year.

In over thirty countries.

The number of racers,

about one million a year.

Seventy percent are first-timers.

Lots of newcomers.

You don't have to be very good.

Ordinary people can also try.

In the past year,

Asia has had the most.

More than double the past.

The Bangkok race in Thailand,

ticket sales only took eighteen hours.

Four thousand five hundred tickets,

all sold out.

Very fast.

The US race last year,

the headcount was three times the year before.

A lot more.

So we say,

this is a very popular sport.

So why is it so popular?

There are three reasons.

First, it's simple.

Anyone can do it.

You don't have to learn many new movements.

Second, you can take photos.

After running you have a photo.

You can send it to friends.

Third, you can do it with others.

You can ask friends to come along.

After running you can also eat together.

So everyone likes it.

So this new race,

is more and more popular now.

Xiao Ming and Xiao Hong also want to do it.

They decide to start practicing.

Slowly.

Once everything is ready,

they'll go race together.