A new study based on Google search data reveals that Manchester recorded the highest fitness event–related search interest in the UK.
The research by global sports insights platform Smart Betting Guide analysed monthly Google search volumes for fitness event–related terms, including “Hyrox UK,” “Hyrox London,” “Hyrox Manchester 2025,” “Hyrox tickets UK,” “Spartan Race London,” “Spartan Race UK,” and “fitness competitions UK” across 50 UK cities. The search volumes were then compared against 2025 population figures to determine which cities are most actively fuelling the fitness event boom.
Manchester ranks first with 384 searches per 100,000 residents, 217% more than the national average of 121 searches per 100,000 residents. With a population of 395,515, Manchester recorded an average of 1,520 monthly searches. Popular keywords included “Hyrox Manchester 2025,” “Hyrox tickets UK,” and “Spartan Race Manchester.”
Croydon ranks second with 265 searches per 100,000 residents, 118.6% more than the national average of 121. With a population of 173,314, Croydon logged 460 monthly searches. Residents most often looked up “Hyrox London,” “Spartan Race UK,” and “Hyrox sign in.”
Newcastle upon Tyne ranks third with 229 searches per 100,000 residents, 89.3% above the national average of 121. The city’s 192,382 residents generated 440 monthly searches, with common queries including “Hyrox events 2025,” “Hyrox UK,” and “Spartan Race Scotland.”
Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Smart Betting Guide commented: “This data reflects the incredible surge in interest around fitness events in the UK. Manchester, Croydon, and Newcastle are leading the way, showing massive above-average search activity for Hyrox, Spartan Races, and other fitness challenges.
‘With major events expanding across UK cities, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for competitive fitness.”
Cardiff ranks fourth with 192 searches per 100,000 residents, 58.6% above the UK average of 121. The Welsh capital’s 447,287 residents contributed 860 monthly searches, with the most popular terms being “Hyrox Cardiff,” “Hyrox UK,” and “Hyrox tickets UK.”
Bournemouth ranks fifth with 153 searches per 100,000 residents, 26.4% higher than the national average of 121. The city of 163,600 residents carried out 250 monthly searches, most often for “Hyrox London,” “Hyrox relay,” and “fitness events 2025 UK.”
London ranks sixth with 144 searches per 100,000 residents, followed by Leeds (7th) with 138.42, Plymouth (8th) with 138.35, Norwich (9th) with 136, and Warrington (10th) with 133.
Table for Extended Results:
Top 10 UK Cities With the Highest Fitness Event–Related Search Volume
Top 50 UK Cities
Searches per 100,000 Residents
Rank
Manchester
384
1
Croydon
265
2
Newcastle upon Tyne
229
3
Cardiff
192
4
Bournemouth
153
5
London
144
6
Leeds
138.42
7
Plymouth
138.35
8
Norwich
136
9
Warrington
133
10
The study was conducted by Smart Betting Guide, a trusted source for global sports data and trends.
