Farmer completes fitness challenge in wellies

A Welsh beef and sheep farmer has completed a high-intensity global fitness race in wellies and braces, raising awareness for mental health issues within the agricultural sector.

Robin Jones, founder of Farm Fit Club, a gym based on his family’s farm in North Wales, completed the Hyrox race in Glasgow on 13 March on behalf of the DPJ Foundation, a mental health charity supporting people in the agricultural sector.

“They’ve [DPJ] done so much great work for the community in Wales, and I wanted to take this opportunity to raise awareness for them at the competition,” says Robin.

See also: Farmers achieve great feats for charity in first half of 2024

Robin wore DPJ-branded wellies and braces at the event, brought a banner and flag, and even received a DPJ shoutout over the Tannoy.

The Hyrox race is a unique indoor fitness competition that combines endurance and strength with 1km of running and eight functional workout stations, with thousands of people competing around the world.

“I’ve done a couple of Hyrox races already. I wanted to show that anybody can do it.

“I’m not the fittest and if I can do it in wellies then anyone can do it. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, it’s all about having fun.”

Sore feet

Robin dreaded how his feet would feel afterwards, but he knew it was worth it to raise awareness.

“Everyone there was in their £200 trainers and sports tops, and there was me in my braces and wellies, it drew a fair bit of attention.

“I was so nervous, though. I seriously doubted myself at first. I had some real imposter syndrome, but then I realised the true reasons why I was doing it for charity,” he recalls.

At 33, Robin has worked on the family farm for most of his life.

“I left school and came to work straight on the family farm. I loved it, however I found it incredibly isolating, suffering with loneliness,” he says.

Robin’s passion for helping others and supporting rural communities led him to establish a gym in a barn on their 162ha farm.

“I started writing to people in the area to come and train with me, and from that, more and more people came. It’s been an incredible journey.

“People feel like they have a sense of community when they come here and it helps with loneliness,” Robin says.