Question 1

WHAT IS TRAIL RUNNING @ DAWN?

Accepted Answer

Trail Running @ Dawn is a fun, social trail run set in the stunning surroundings of Glendalough Estate, Co. Wicklow. Starting at first light, the route follows the Estate’s paths and trails, taking runners into the hills in time to watch the sun rise from different points of Scarr Mountain.

This is a non-competitive trail run designed to be enjoyed rather than raced. Although brought to you by the team behind Hell & Back, there are no obstacles, no timing chips and no official results, just a challenging 10KM route on natural terrain, great company and unforgettable Wicklow scenery.

It’s ideal for runners who enjoy trail running, time on their feet and soaking up a special location at a unique time of day.

Question 2

WHERE IS GLENDALOUGH ESTATE?

Accepted Answer

Trail Running @ Dawn takes place at our stunning new venue, Glendalough Estate, Drummin, Annamoe, Co. Wicklow. The estate is located just over an hour’s drive from Dublin city centre.

Here is a link to the Google Maps location,(https://maps.app.goo.gl/T8vweU4FoZ48ngEL8) while the Eircode is A98 KN36.

Question 3

WHAT TIME DOES THE TRAIL RUN START?

Accepted Answer

Trail Running @ Dawn has a single wave start on Saturday 25th April at 05:30, timed to give runners spectacular sunrise views from different points of Scarr Mountain.

Registration opens at 04:45. All participants must check in and collect their wristband by 05:15 to be ready for the 05:30 start.

It’s an invigorating way to start the weekend, and with most runners finished between 06:45 and 07:15, you’ll be home in time for breakfast.

Question 4

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COURSE?

Accepted Answer

This is a 10KM trail run set within the stunning surroundings of Glendalough Estate, with the route taking you high enough to watch the sun rise from different points on Scarr Mountain - a real highlight of the run.

This is a fun, social trail run, so there are no timing chips or official results. For those who like to keep an eye on their time, there will be a digital clock at the start/finish line so you can record your own finish time. That said, we’d strongly encourage runners to soak it all in, enjoy the views and experience the Wicklow countryside at its very best!

Question 5

CAN I CHOOSE MY START TIME?

Accepted Answer

Trail Running @ Dawn has a single, mass start at 05:30 with all participants setting off together, so start times can’t be changed. Registration opens at 04:45 so make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before the start to collect your wristband, get warmed up and be ready to go.

Question 6

WHAT AGE MUST I BE TO TAKE PART?

Accepted Answer

For insurance purposes, you must be over 16 to participate in Trail Running @ Dawn.

All 16 & 17 year old participants also must have completed a digital Parental/Guardian Consent Form, which is available from registrations@aliveoutside.ie (mailto:registrations@aliveoutside.ie?subject=Under+18+Link)with the following information:
 • Date and distance of Event;
 • First name and surname of teenage participant;
 • First name and surname of parent or guardian;
 • Email and mobile of parent or guardian; and
 • If you are part of a 21+ group, please also include which group the teenager is part of.

Question 7

WHAT TRAINING SHOULD I DO?

Accepted Answer

This is a fun, social trail run in a stunning location, so if you’re looking to race or chase a personal best, this probably isn’t the event for you.

As a guideline, you should be comfortable running and/or walking a 10KM trail route that includes some steep terrain and be able to complete it within two hours as the course closes at 07:30. Most average runners can expect a finish time of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on conditions and pacing.

Question 8

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Accepted Answer

FEET
• Trial runners are best (better grip in muddy conditions)
• Astro boots also work well
• We strongly advise you do not wear normal runners or any other footwear, as the reduced grip will increase your risk of injury

UPPER BODY
• Base Layer – compression top
• Top Layer – Technical t-shirt (optional)
• Avoid cotton materials!!

HAND & LEGS
• Personal choice if you want to wear ompression leggings or gloves

Question 9

IS THERE CAR PARKING?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is no charge for car parking at this event. Please follow the directions of the parking attendants on arrival at Glendalough Estate, who will guide you to the nearest available parking space.

Question 10

ARE THERE CHANGING FACILITIES?

Accepted Answer

No. Please arrive ready to run in your running gear.

There are no shower facilities onsite, so we recommend bringing a fresh set of clothes to change into afterwards and heading home for a well-earned shower.

As with all events in rural locations, we ask participants to be mindful of the potential risk of infectious diseases. If you experience any symptoms following the event, contact your GP immediately. Find out more here.(https://www.hellandback.ie/post/risk-of-infectious-diseases-bacterial-infections)

Question 11

IS THERE ANYWHERE I CAN LEAVE VALUABLES?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide a free Secure Valuables Drop in the Event Village where you can leave small personal items such as car keys, phones and wallets.

Please note:
 • All items must fit into a small freezer-sized zip bag.
 • You'll be given a numbered wristband when you drop off your valuables.
 • You must present this wristband to collect your items - no wristband, no valuables!

There is no official storage for larger items, such as kit bags or spare clothes. These can be left in your car or you can find a discreet hiding place for them onsite.

Top tip: The Secure Valuables Drop can get very busy close to the start time, so we recommend arriving early to avoid any delays before your run.

Question 12

CAN I GET A REFUND IF I CANNOT TAKE PART?

Accepted Answer

As outlined in the Event Terms and Conditions (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gxxvaml1p0q98rgsti905/Hell-n-Back-Terms-and-Conditions-2025.pdf?rlkey=6evhipnkqu19kdf1qays45rh8&st=i398yz2r&dl=0)you agreed to when registering, refunds are not available if you cannot participate in Trail Running @ Dawn.

However, you may appoint a replacement to take your place by following these steps: 
1. Forward your replacement the original Ticket / Confirmation Email (or QR code).
2. On event day, your replacement must present this Ticket/QR code at the Registration Tent to collect the allocated Wristband. 
3. The replacement must review the Event Terms and Conditions (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gxxvaml1p0q98rgsti905/Hell-n-Back-Terms-and-Conditions-2025.pdf?rlkey=6evhipnkqu19kdf1qays45rh8&st=i398yz2r&dl=0)and, if satisfied, sign their name beside the allocated Wristband Number.

This means that if you get injured or are unable to take part, you can transfer your spot to someone else right up until event day.

If the event is SOLD OUT, you may also find a buyer for your ticket on the Event Page (https://www.facebook.com/pg/HELLANDBACKCHALLENGE/events/?ref=page_internal)of our Facebook.

If you have any queries about transfers or refunds, please email registrations@aliveoutside.ie.(mailto:registrations@aliveoutside.ie?subject=Transfer+Query)

Question 13

IS THERE A MASS START?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is just one start wave for Trail Running @ Dawn at 05:30 so everyone starts together.

To review your registration details - or that of a friend - go to the Start Time Checker.(https://registration.hellandback.ie/StartTimeChecker.aspx)

Question 14

ARE THERE ANY OBSTACLES ON THE COURSE?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a 10KM trail run along the Estate’s paths and trails. While you may encounter natural features, such as a fallen tree or uneven ground, there are no man-made obstacles on the course. Just bring your trail runners and you’ll be good to go!

Question 15

WILL I GET A FINISHERS GIFT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you cross the finish line, you’ll be awarded a special Trail Running @ Dawn Finisher’s Medal - the perfect memento of your early morning achievement!

Question 16

IS THERE A CUT OFF TIME?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For health & safety reasons, the course has a cut-off time of 07:30 (2 hours).

This will be clearly communicated in the emailed Event Briefing and repeated on the day during the Warm Up.

To ensure everyone finishes safely and on time, participants who have not reached certain points on the course by specified times will be directed by a Safety Marshal to take a shortcut to the Finish Line.

Please note: the site closes at 08:00, so be sure to collect all personal belongings before leaving.

Question 17

ARE THERE SHOWERS?

Accepted Answer

There are no shower facilities onsite, so we recommend bringing a fresh set of clothes to change into afterwards and heading home for a well-earned shower.

As with all events in rural locations, we ask participants to be mindful of the potential risk of infectious diseases. If you experience any symptoms following the event, contact your GP immediately. Find out more here.(https://www.hellandback.ie/post/risk-of-infectious-diseases-bacterial-infections)

Question 18

ARE THERE OFFICIAL PHOTOS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our team of photographers will be positioned around the course to capture both your run and the atmosphere of the event.

We take lots of photos at each event and share them on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HELLANDBACKCHALLENGE)in the days following. Keep an eye on our social media channels for the latest photo updates.

Question 19

IS THERE A CHARITY ELEMENT?

Accepted Answer

Trail Running @ Dawn isn’t officially a charity event but we know it’s a great platform for people to raise vital funds for causes close to their hearts.

That’s why we’ve partnered with iDonate, Ireland’s leading fundraising platform, to give participants a simple and fully integrated way to support their favourite charities while tackling the 10KM trail run.

Want to use Trail Running @ Dawn as a fundraiser? Check out our Fundraising Page (https://www.hellandback.ie/fundraising)to get started.

Question 20

IS PERSONAL ACCIDENT COVER INCLUDED?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Personal Accident Insurance fee of €6 is a mandatory part of your registration and helps cover the cost of any injury you may sustain while taking part in the event.

The Personal Accident policy is underwritten by Chubb Insurance and includes a range of benefits, such as up to €1,500 in medical expenses per person (subject to a €65 excess) for injuries sustained during the event. Please note that loss of income is not covered under this policy.

This is a brief summary only and does not form part of your contract. For a full synopsis of the cover, or if you have any questions, please email registrations@aliveoutside.ie.(mailto:registrations@aliveoutside.ie?subject=Insurance)

Question 21

WHAT'S THE EVENT RESCHEDULING POLICY FOR BAD WEATHER?

Accepted Answer

Trail Running @ Dawn is planned to go ahead in line with the normal and reasonable weather conditions we expect in Ireland. However, in the event of extreme or severe weather, we have an Event Rescheduling Policy in place.

Our priority is always to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience. If weather conditions are deemed potentially hazardous or unsafe for participants, we reserve the right to postpone and reschedule the event to an alternative date in the interest of participant safety.

Where possible, any decision to postpone will be made no later than 21:00 on the evening before the event. All postponement decisions are final.

Question 22

WHERE TO STAY / WHAT TO DO NEARBY?

Accepted Answer

If you plan on spending a bit of time in Co Wicklow before or after Trail Running @ Dawn, there is lots of accommodation and plenty of activities in the surrounding area to keep you and your family / friends occupied all day and all night!
 
As a proud member of Wicklow Tourism, we encourage participants to take advantage of everything Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland, has to offer. It is home to Ireland's largest national park, the country's highest waterfall and the biggest man-made lake.
 
As well as its unique landscape, from cliffs and sandy beaches to rolling mountains and hidden lakes, Wicklow is at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
 • Follow in the footsteps of St Kevin at Glendalough’s 6th Century monastic site;
 • Experience the troubled times of the 1798 Rebellion in Wicklow Jail;
 • Admire the grandeur of Russborough or Killruddery House; or
 • Wander through Ireland’s most beautiful gardens, such as Powerscourt or Mount Usher.

Wicklow is also Ireland’s premier outdoor destination:
 • Walk or cycle the Wicklow mountains;
 • Play on some of Ireland’s best links and parkland golf courses;
 • Ride through stunning landscape; or
 • Fish along our coast, rivers or lakes.
 
For a list of things to do, places to stay, restaurants to dine in and pubs to relax in, simply click on the link below.​
​
CLICK FOR A LIST OF WICKLOW ACCOMMODATION
(https://visitwicklow.ie/eat-drink-stay/accommodation/) 
CLICK TO VISIT WICKLOW TOURISM(https://visitwicklow.ie/)

TRAIL RUNNING

@ DAWN

NEW EVENT & NEW LOCATION

GLENDALOUGH ESTATE, CO.WICKLOW

THE CONCEPT

No Obstacles

No Pacers

No Noise

THE EXPERIENCE

Sunrise

Cool Air

Quiet Trails

Mountain Views

THE DETAILS

Distance

Location

Format

Date

Terrain

Start Time

THE COURSE

EARLY BIRD PRICE

€30 per person

€29 per person

€28 per person

BOOK NOW!

TRAIL RUNNING @ DAWN LOCATION

OUR PARTNERS