Know before
you go
Seven events. One score. One day. Here's everything you need to know before you step on the field.
Seven events, one score
APEX tests raw athleticism in four categories: speed, power, strength, and endurance. Every competitor completes every event, your performances convert into points, and your total is your APEX SCORE.
- 1
Fast FortyLaser-timed 40-yard sprint
Two attempts
- 2
The TossOverhead medicine ball throw
Two attempts
- 3
The BroadStanding broad jump
Two attempts
- 4
The VertFull approach vertical jump
Two attempts
- 5
The PullTrap bar deadlift, 60-second AMRAP. Men 405 lbs, Women 275 lbs.
One attempt
- 6
The PushBench press AMRAP. Men 225 lbs, Women 115 lbs.
One attempt
- 7
The MileTimed one-mile run
One attempt
Most events give you two attempts and the best one counts. The Pull, The Push, and The Mile are one shot each.
Read the full rulebookHow the waves run
The competition runs in waves, and athletes go in order of their number. Athletes begin at the Fast Forty and compete in order of each event down the field.
- Wave size
- 20 to 25 athletes
- First wave
- 8:00 AM
- New wave
- Every 30 minutes
- Assignments
- Posted 2 weeks out

- Event stations
- All seven run down one side of the field, in order, starting with the Fast Forty.
- Athlete wave lineup
- Where your wave stages before it steps off.
- Athlete warm-up area
- Athletes only. Space to move and drill the events.
- Spectator area
- Right alongside the events, with an unobstructed view.
- Tent and vendor area
- Food, brand activations, and the designated eating area.
Follow the day in real time
To watch records break or follow an athlete's live performance, the APEX Live Leaderboard is available free on competition day in The APEX App.
How the day breaks down
Competition day generally runs from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- 7:00 AM
- Athlete check-in begins. Check in 45 minutes before your assigned wave start.
- 8:00 AM
- First wave begins. Waves run continuously every 30 minutes.
- 10:30 AM
- Final wave begins. The number of waves depends on the size of the field.
- Approx. 1:00 PM
- Awards ceremony.
- Approx. 2:00 PM
- Estimated end time.
Your individual run through all seven events takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Exact times vary by competition, so confirm the schedule on your competition page.
Your day, start to finish
You've put in the work. Now the only thing left to do is show up prepared.
Upon arrival
- 1Arrive early
Get on site 45 minutes before your wave start for check-in.
- 2Registration tent
Go here first. A coach applies your athlete number to both arms as a waterproof temporary tattoo.
- 3Reach measurement
Get your standing reach measured. It is what The Vert is scored against.
- 4Warm up
Head to the warm-up area. We recommend reserving 20 to 30 minutes to warm up before your start time.
- 5Wave staging
Report to your wave staging area 5 minutes before your start time. An APEX coach directs your group. Line up in athlete number order, so 121 is wave 1, athlete 21.
What to bring
- Shoes. Football or soccer cleats are recommended for the Fast Forty, The Toss, The Broad, and The Vert. Flat or running shoes for The Pull, The Push, and The Mile. No spikes in any event.
- Sunscreen.
- Water. We have water on site, but bring your own as well.
- Snacks and fuel for a full day of competition. All food stays off the turf and gets eaten in the designated areas.
- Warm-up gear, as needed.
- A change of clothes for after the competition and awards.
- A towel, to dry off or sit on afterward.
What we provide
- Lifting belts
- Liquid chalk
All core equipment, including bars, plates, medicine balls, and timing devices, is standardized and supplied by APEX.
Not allowed
- Lifting straps
- Spring-loaded devices
- Any other performance-enhancing equipment
Personal gear must be approved by officials.
Official rulebook
Every competitor is responsible for reviewing the official APEX rulebook before competing. It covers movement standards, scoring, divisions, attempt rules, and conduct policies.
Read the official rulebookGuest passes
Want to bring your crew? Spectator admission is ticketed. Grab guest passes for your people ahead of the event on the competition page.
Find a competitionCompetitor FAQ
Bring your people
Tickets
Spectator admission is ticketed, and tickets are sold per competition. Price and availability are set for each venue, and the ticket link lives on that competition's page. Buying ahead is the fastest way in.
Find a competitionOn competition day
- Check in at the registration tent on arrival.
- Stay in spectator zones only. Do not enter the competition field or athlete areas.
- Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. The spectator area sits right next to the athletes and close to the action.
- No food on the turf. There is a designated eating area, and food is available for purchase from a local vendor on site.
Spectator FAQ
Credentials required
All media must apply and be approved before competition day to access the field. On-field media credentials are not available on a walk-up basis.
On-field rules
- Stay in spectator areas only. Do not enter athlete areas, so nothing disrupts competition.
- Give the APEX Official Production Team the right of way when shooting. They wear headsets, so you can recognize them.
Media FAQ
Arrival and setup
Setup times and logistics are communicated directly to confirmed brand partners ahead of the event.
Brand FAQ
Want to sponsor or get on the field?
We're always looking for brands that align with the APEX athlete. If you're interested in sponsorship, on-field activation, or partnership opportunities, reach out.
How to reach the venue
Transportation and venue details are posted on each competition page. General options include:
- Drive
- Free parking is typically available near the venue.
- Rideshare
- Uber, Lyft, or a taxi to the main entrance.
- Public transit
- Check the competition page for venue-specific transit options.
