Macao authorities clarified that the locally registered Hyrox Association of Macao holds no official Hyrox trademark or event authorisation
Unaffiliated Macao Hyrox group has no trademark rights, say officials
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The Macao government has explained that a group registered locally under the Hyrox name without the fitness brand’s approval is not covered by trademark protection or authorised to host official events.
In a statement reported by TDM on 26 October 2026, the Identification Services Bureau (also known by its Portuguese initials DSI) explained that its granting of a certificate recognising the names of local associations only permitted such organisations to use that title, with no conferral of other rights.
The DSI’s comments were in response to a query made on an episode of the Macao Forum radio show in October 2026, during which a caller discussed the unauthorised and controversial use of the Hyrox brand name by a group calling itself the Hyrox Association of Macao.
Making reference to the SAR government’s approval, the caller asked whether it was necessary for “the government to perhaps take a stricter approach when reviewing cases like this.”
Why did the Macao government approve the Macao Hyrox group name?
According to the DSI, a Certificate of Adoptable Name of Association and Foundation such as the one granted to the Hyrox Association of Macao, is primarily intended to ensure that local association names remain unique, preventing overlap with the titles of preexisting Macao groups.
Regarding the approval process, the bureau stated that the certificate was only issued to the association after it had found no other Macao-based commercial registration or trademark records relating to the name nor any other similar or identical local association titles.
What action has Hyrox taken against the group?
The Hyrox brand has responded negatively to the Hyrox Association of Macao’s unofficial adoption of the Hyrox name and its plans to stage an inaugural Macau Fitness Run Challenge at the Galaxy International Convention Centre on 20 and 21 February 2027.
In a South China Morning Post report published on 15 October 2026, Gary Wan, the managing director of Hyrox in Asia Pacific, said his group had already “engaged” with the Hyrox Association of Macao “to stop using the Hyrox name and branding.”
How has the Hyrox Association of Macao responded to the controversy?
The unauthorised Macao Hyrox group hit back with a Chinese-language statement on 17 October 2026, arguing that it was “legally registered and established in accordance with Macao law.”
Meanwhile, the Macao organisation acknowledged that its Macau Fitness Run Challenge was “not an official Hyrox event, nor has it been organised, authorised, or sponsored by Hyrox in any form.”
[See more: Hyrox says a Macao group using its name is not authorised to run races]
It also mentioned that it would work to promote local running and fitness sports, while “strictly respecting intellectual property rights and providing accurate and reliable information to the public.”
What is the Hyrox Association of Macao?
Established in August 2026, the Hyrox Association of Macao is a non-profit organisation that describes its objectives as “promoting and expanding the spread and development of Hyrox sports in the Macao region, cultivating members’ sports skills and competitive levels, and promoting a healthy lifestyle and sporting spirit.”
The group celebrated its official launch with a dinner event in Macao on 13 October 2026, with its president, Jofe Tam, stating that his group would help to develop talent by collaborating with the faculty of health sciences and sports at the Macao Polytechnic University.
At the dinner, the association discussed its upcoming fitness run challenge, including the format, which would follow the eight-workout station structure of a regular Hyrox event, with minor adjustments, including a running section that takes place outdoors.
The Hyrox indoor fitness competition has gained considerable global popularity in recent months, although Macao has yet to host an official event. Neighbouring Hong Kong is scheduled to stage an authorised competition between 7 and 10 January 2027.
