HELL & BACK ADULT 8KM

CLICK HERE FOR SAT 21ST SEPT EVENT BRIEFING, WHICH HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HELLISH ADVENTURE!!!

Ireland's toughest Physical & Mental challenge

SAT 21ST SEPT IS NOW SOLD OUT, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER INSTEAD FOR NEXT EVENT ON SAT 1ST MAR 2025.

Dare to take on HELL & BACK, Ireland’s ultimate test of grit and resilience!

Crafted by our elite team of outdoor aficionados, this is not any auld challenge - it’s an epic showdown designed to stretch your limits in both body and mind.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Killruddery Estate, this 8KM adventure takes place in early autumn where you'll be treated to spectacular views of Dublin Bay from the heights of Little Sugar Loaf mountain.

The 8KM course masterfully melds brutal man-made obstacles with the wild, untamed terrains of Killruddery - think raging rivers, rugged mountains, treacherous bogs and dense forests - creating an adrenaline-pumping gauntlet that’s sure to haunt your dreams!

Suitable for the brave at heart aged 16 and older.

Step up if you dare!

PUSH YOUR BOUNDARIES!

the ultimate adventure

HELL & BACK 8KM, set for Saturday 21st September 2024, presents a challenging off-road trek through custom-built trails and rugged mountain terrain.

Prepare to navigate Killruddery’s breathtaking landscape, moving over, under, around and through a series of stunning natural barriers, including bogs, hills, forests, swamps and rivers, as well as conquering HELL & BACK's notorious man-made obstacles, such as Heartbreak Ridge, Water Jump, Splashdown Slide, Pontoon Mania, Ice Baths, Hell on Earth and the Tyre Zone.

Rally your friends, family, work colleagues or sports team for the ultimate Irish outdoor adventure!

the devil is in the detail

WHAT IS HELL & BACK JUNIOR?

HELL & BACK Junior is Ireland's largest one-day sports event designed specifically for children aged 8 to 12. It features fun and challenging obstacles that encourage physical activity and teamwork in a safe and supportive environment. The course, typically betwewn 3 and 5KM long, is held several times a year at the Alive Outside Adventure Centre in Killruddery, Bray, Co. Wicklow, the same venue that hosts the popular TV show, Ireland's Fittest Family.
WHAT AGE MUST MY CHILD BE TO PARTICIPATE?

The 3-5KM course is suitable for kids aged 8-12. For insurance reasons, children who are 7 and under will not be able to register or take part.
WILL THERE BE ADULTS PARTICIPATING?

No. Our Adult H&B events are usually held on different days to H&B Junior, which is specifically designed for children. For health and safety reasons, parents can only run alongside their children for a short section of the course (just try to keep up!). We therefore recommend watching them start and tackle the first few obstacles, then grabbing a coffee and a bite to eat before meeting them at the Finish Line.
CAN I HELP MY CHILD AROUND THE COURSE?

Parents can't physically get in and assist their children on the course, but there are spectator areas where you can watch and cheer them on. Due to health and safety reasons, some parts of the course are not accessible to parents, so you can grab a coffee and wait for the children to return.
WHAT TYPE OF CHALLENGES SHOULD MY CHILD EXPECT?

HELL & BACK Junior, which is Ireland's largest one-day sports event specifically for children aged 8 to 12, offer fun yet challenging obstacles designed to encourage physical activity and teamwork in a safe, supportive, outdoor setting. Children will navigate over, under, around and through various natural and man-made obstacles, ensuring they finish the course muddy but happy! For events held in August, some water obstacles will require swimming with a buoyancy aid. However, for the events in May (Forest Frenzy) and October (Helloween), the water in the lake will be too cold, so there will be no water obstacles and swimming will not be required. As with all HELL & BACK Junior events, if your child prefers not to tackle a particular obstacle, they can simply walk around it - no problem at all!
CAN I REGISTER A TEAM / MORE THAN ONE CHILD?

Yes, you can register a team and reserve up to 50 places. Use the Syndicated Payments option to send a payment link to other parents. Unpaid spots are automatically released after 7 days. So if you reserve 25 spaces and, after 7 days only 21 are paid for, the remaining 4 places are automatically deleted. Email registrations@aliveoutside.ie if you require any help with large groups.
CAN WE USE H&B JUNIOR AS A FUNDRAISER?

Yes! You can raise funds for your favourite cause, like a charity or sports club. Tell family and friends about your H&B Junior challenge to get sponsors. For sponsorship forms and materials, click here.
CAN I SWITCH WAVE START TIMES AFTER REGISTERING?

While it is not normally possible to change your start time due to the large number of children participating, if you email registrations@aliveoutside.ie with your child's name, current wave start time and preferred wave start time, we will try to help you out.
CAN I GET A REFUND?

Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another child. Forward the ticket to the new child's parent/guardian and have them inform us at the Registration Tent on the day.
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR?

There's no need to go buy new clothes - instead we recommend: - Old clothes that can get dirty - A baselayer if it’s cold - Old, securely tied runners that won't come off in the muck (no velcro) - A warm change of clothes (hoodie / tracksuit bottoms) for after the event
CAN MY CHILD WEAR FANCY DRESS?

Costumes are welcome but optional! For safety reasons, any costume must be suitable for a mud run, meaning proper footwear is essential. Costumes should not include masks, capes, scarves or any loose items that could get caught on obstacles. We also encourage kids to dress in the colour of their Wave Start Time. For example, if your child is in the Green Wave, they could wear a green top, wristband or bandana to show their team spirit!
CAN WE BRING SUPPORTERS?

Yes, spectators are welcome to come and cheer on the children free of charge. However, there is a €5 parking fee per car, so we encourage carpooling where possible. PLEASE NOTE: For the Helloween event on Saturday 19th October, the car park is some distance from the Start/Finish Line, and considering the time of year and potential underfoot conditions, it may not be suitable for those who are uncomfortable walking long distances. We recommend supporters dress appropriately for the weather and terrain, especially if there are slippy underfoot conditions.
WILL THERE BE PHOTOGRAPHERS?

Yes, official photographers will take action shots, which will be posted on our H&B Junior Facebook page and website. By participating, you agree to let us use these photos for promotional purposes, including brochures, posters and social media post. If you have any queries about Image Rights, please email registrations@aliveoutside.ie.
WHY DO I NEED TO SIGN A WAIVER FOR MY CHILD?

HELL & BACK Junior involves inherent risks, which is why a parent or guardian must sign a Digital Consent Form. This form acknowledges that the organisers are not liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur. It also provides consent for emergency transportation, first aid and medical treatment if needed. Your child will not be able to participate without a signed form - no exceptions. For teams of 10 or more, we will contact the Group Leader in advance about an Online Consent Form. If all parents complete this form before the event, the team can use the Fast Track Lane to quickly collect their wristbands at registration. For more details, please email registrations@aliveoutside.ie.
WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?

There are inherent risks involved when participating in HELL & BACK Junior. A mandatory Personal Accident Insurance Fee of €3 per child is included in your registration fee. This insurance may help cover the costs of any injuries your child sustains during the event. This Personal Accident Policy, underwritten by Chubb Insurance, offers various benefits, including Medical Expenses (with an excess of €65), for injuries sustained while participating in the HELL & BACK Junior event your child is registered for. Please note that this is only a brief summary of the cover provided and does not form the basis of your contract with Chubb Insurance. For a full breakdown of the cover or any queries, please email registrations@aliveoutside.ie.
WILL THERE BE MEDICS / EMERGENCY FACILITIES AVAILABLE?

Yes, we take your child's health & safety very seriously and have a dedicated Order of Malta unit on-site for injuries, including an ambulance for emergencies. All our events take place on a working farm or in venues where there is livestock so click here to learn of the risks of infectious diseases. If your child experiences any of the symptoms in the days after HELL & BACK Junior, contact your doctor immediately.
WHAT OTHER ONSITE FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE?

We have a small food village, where you can buy a coffee and treats, and a Merchandising Shop offering branded H&B Junior t-shirts.
WILL THERE BE CHANGING FACILITIES?

Very limited - remember that Killruddery is a working farm so don't expect luxury! It's best to arrive dressed and ready to take part with a change of clothes and shoes for the car ride home. Ensure your child showers and washes their clothes thoroughly after the event to minimise the risk of infection.
IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?

Yes, there is a €5 parking fee per car. You can purchase a parking pass as part of your online registration or pay at the gate on the day. Due to limited space, we strongly encourage carpooling where possible. The Car Parking Plan, including a site map, will be emailed to all parents a few days before the event. We recommend supporters dress appropriately for the weather and terrain, especially if there are slippy underfoot conditions. PLEASE NOTE: For the Helloween event on Saturday 19th October, the main car park will be located in the IDA Business Park on Southern Cross Road, which is some distance from the Start/Finish Line. Considering the time of year and potential underfoot conditions, it may not be suitable for those who are uncomfortable walking long distances.
WHAT IF IT'S RAINING?

Celebrate! Rain makes the course even muckier and more fun. The event will proceed in all weather conditions unless the organisers deem it unsafe. We recommend dressing your child appropriately for wet and muddy conditions, such as a moisture-wicking base layer (eg Under Armour) and sturdy footwear. Be sure to bring a change of warm clothes and shoes for your child to change into afterwards - or else your car might be heading home very mucky!
WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS A MEDICAL ISSUE?

Make sure your child is in good physical condition to participate. Consult your GP if you have any health concerns before registering.
WILL WE HAVE FUN?

Absolutely! There are plenty of activities for both participants and spectators, making it a great family day out. PLEASE NOTE: For the Helloween event on Saturday 19th October, the main car park will be located in the IDA Business Park on Southern Cross Road, which is some distance from the Start/Finish Line. Considering the time of year and potential underfoot conditions, it may not be suitable for those who are uncomfortable walking long distances.
WHAT DOES MY CHILD GET FOR COMPLETING H&B JUNIOR?

Aside from the excitement and sense of achievement your children will get for completing the HELL & BACK Junior course, all participants will receive an exclusive H&B Junior neck scarf. Photos will also be available on our Facebook Junior page after the event.
CAN MY CHILD DO A SECOND LAP?

Our top priority is to ensure that all children have a safe and enjoyable experience. For this reason, children are not permitted to complete a second lap of a H&B Junior course. However, we've made the course even more exciting by extending it to at least 4KM and adding several new obstacles. Your child will still find the course both challenging and rewarding, guaranteeing a fun-filled adventure from start to finish!
CAN I BUY H&B JUNIOR MERCHANDISE?

Yes, we have a range of merchandise available on the day, but stocks are limited so come early.
ARE THERE TERMS & CONDITIONS TO TAKING PART?

Yes, you can read them by clicking here.