Question 1

WHAT IS HELL & BACK?

Accepted Answer

HELL & BACK is an obstacle course adventure run that takes place a number of times each year in the stunning Killruddery Estate, Bray, Co Wicklow.
 
Participants - or HellRaisers - must cross rivers and forests, climb hills and mountains and crawl through bogs and swamps, as well as negotiate their way over, under, around and through our infamous man-made obstacles, including Hell on Earth, Heartbreak Ridge, Satan’s Pit and, during summer events, the Water Jump & Splashdown Slide. 
 
Many of you will be familiar with these torturous obstacles from RTE’s hugely popular TV show, Ireland’s Fittest Family so HELL & BACK is a brilliant way to test them out for yourself!
 
Check out our videos (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCCPFhHiseHpJNtGJoeXTfQ/videos)to give you a great understanding of what exactly is involved.

Question 2

IS THERE A MASS START?

Accepted Answer

No, everyone doesn’t start at the same time. Instead, there are a number of starting times – or waves - throughout the day with 250-400 HellRaisers in each wave.
 
You choose your preferred wave start time when you register and you can double check this – and the start time of a friend - on the Start Time Checker.(https://registration.hellandback.ie/StartTimeChecker.aspx)

Question 3

CAN I CHOOSE MY START TIME?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When registering, you'll be given the option to select your preferred wave start time. If you want to be amont the first HellRaisers to hit the course, you can choose Wave 1 which normally has an additional €2 charge - it's the earliest wave and gives you a clear run at the obstacles. You can double check your registered start time using the Start Time Checker.(https://registration.hellandback.ie/StartTimeChecker.aspx)

Please note: We’re unable to officially change start times within 7 days of the event. However, you’re welcome to start later than your allocated time - just not earlier.

For example, if you’re registered for 12:00 and your friend is down for 12:20, you can both start together at 12:20 - but not at 12:00.

Question 4

WHERE IS HELL & BACK?

Accepted Answer

HELL & BACK is located in Killruddery Estate just off the Southern Cross Road in Bray, County Wicklow and around 35 minutes from Dublin city centre via the M11/N11.

Here is a link to our Google Maps location,(https://maps.app.goo.gl/2gEGUbZhyRy44yXg8) while the nearest Eircode is A98 W9F2.

Bray is also serviced by the DART (https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-services/dart-commuter)and Dublin Bus.(https://www.dublinbus.ie/)

Question 5

DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SWIM?

Accepted Answer

From June to September, many of our events include water obstacles such as the Water Jump, Splashdown Slide, Pontoon Mania and Ice Baths. You will get wet and ideally you should be able to swim.

• Non-swimmers can still take part - you’re free to walk around any obstacles (water or otherwise) if you’re not comfortable.
 • For safety, everyone must wear a buoyancy aid when entering the Lake area.
 • Lifeguards are on duty on the bank and in the water on kayaks.
 • However, if you cannot swim, please do not attempt the big water obstacles.

For H&B Winter and H&B Dawn, there’s no swimming involved, as the water is too cold at that time of year.

Question 6

CAN'T 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 HELL & BACK.

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%20Query)

Question 7

WILL I NEED HELP AT SOME CHALLENGES?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - no matter how strong, fast or tall you are, you are going to need the help of your fellow HellRaisers (or our course marshals) at various parts of the course. Don't be afraid to ask someone for a booster or helping hand - just make sure you turn around and replicate the favour when you get to the top!

Question 8

WHAT TO WEAR?

Accepted Answer

FEET
• Traill runners are best as they give 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
• Studs, cleats, blades & spikes are not permitted

HANDS
• Fingerless cycling gloves are best as full finger gloves will get water logged

UPPER BODY
• Base Layer – compression top
• Top Layer – Technical t-shirt (optional)
• Wear long sleeves to help protect your arms at crawl obstacles
• Avoid cotton materials!!

LEGS
• Compression leggings are recommended to help protect legs when crawling.
• Avoid flimsy material that may rip or tear.

REMEMBER
Duct Tape, Electrical Tape & Cable Ties are not allowed on your shoes as they come off too easily and thus become a danger to the livestock on the farm so ake sure you triple knot your laces instead.

Question 9

IS THERE A CUT OFF TIME?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For health & safety reasons, each HELL & BACK course has a cut-off time, which depends on the course length. This will be shared with all HellRaisers in advance and repeated during the Event Briefing.

If you haven’t reached a particular obstacle by a specific cut-off time, a Safety Marshal will either direct you on a shortcut to the Finish Line or assist you off the course by buggy.

Please note: the site closes shortly after the course shuts down, so make sure you have collected all of your belongings before leaving.

Question 10

WHAT AGE MUST I BE TO TAKE PART?

Accepted Answer

H&B ADULT
For insurance purposes, you must be over 16 to participate in HELL & BACK Adult events.

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%2018%20Link)with the following information:
 • Date and distance of H&B 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.
​
H&B JUNIOR
H&B Junior is suitable for 8-12 year olds. Children will need to have a designated adult on the day to sign them in and collect them from the finish line to be able to participate.
 
H&B FAMILY
H&B Family is suitable for adults to do with their children who are aged 10+. Please note that H&B Family is the full Adult course – but because the parent is with their child at all times, they can make the decision whether to do certain obstacles or not.
 
If you are bringing a large number of children to take part in H&B Family, the adult to child ratio must be of 1 adult to maximum 4 children. So if, for example, you are bringing 5 children, you will need 2 adults etc.
 
H&B TEEN
H&B Teen is suitable for ages 12 to 16 and requires a parent or guardian to register the teenager online.

Question 11

WHATS YOUR EVENT RESCHEDULING POLICY FOR BAD WEATHER?

Accepted Answer

HELL & BACK events take place all year round and will go ahead within the reasonable weather expectations of Ireland. But, as everyone is aware, there is the potential for extreme or severe weather and therefore we have an Event Rescheduling Policy in place if the conditions are very bad.

Our aim is to do all we can to make your experience as enjoyable and safe as possible. If, though, we deem weather conditions to be potentially hazardous and unsafe for participants, we reserve the right to postpone and reschedule the event for an alternative date to maintain competitor safety.

Where possible, our policy is to postpone an event NO LATER THAN 21:00 on the night beforehand and our decision about postponing an event is final.

Question 12

IS THERE A CHARITY ELEMENT TO HELL & BACK?

Accepted Answer

HELL & BACK isn’t officially a charity event, but we know it’s an incredible platform for HellRaisers to raise vital funds for causes close to their hearts. In fact, our research shows that the average fundraiser taking on HELL & BACK raises over €900 each – an amazing impact.

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 Ireland’s toughest challenge.

Want to use your HELL & BACK adventure as a fundraiser? Check out our Fundraising Page (https://www.hellandback.ie/fundraising)to get started.

Question 13

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COURSE?

Accepted Answer

The smart alec answer is nothing much as it will all be a surprise on the day! 
​
As well as scaling the obstacles we have been developing since 2011, you will also be passing through forests, bogs, rivers and streams, as well as running up and down plenty of hill slopes - and if you are signed up to the longer distances (8KM+), you will even scale the Little Sugar Loaf mountain!
 
Out on the course, you should follow the clearly marked route and make sure you obey the instructions of our course marshals.
​
If you get into difficulty at any stage, take a break and ask for assistance, either from a fellow HellRaiser or one of the course team. An essential part of the H&B ethos is that we never leave anyone behind...so help is on hand at all times!
​
And the good thing to know is that there are no penalties if you don’t complete an obstacle – in fact, you can walk around any obstacle you are not comfortable with...although we would advise you to run away as fast as you can as the marshal at that obstacle will probably give you one hell of a slagging for skipping it!
​
Our events over the summer from June to September usually include some water obstacles at the Lake in the centre of the course, including the Water Jump, Pontoon Mania and Splashdown Slide, and as mentioned above in the "Do I need to be able to Swim?" section, for Health & Safety reasons, everyone must wear a buoyancy aid before attempting any of the water obstacles.
​
Remember that H&B is not a race, it's a challenge - so there are no timing chips or official times. For those wishing to record their times, there will be a digital clock at both the Start and Finish Line allowing you calculate your own time - although you are bound to enjoy the experience more if you ignore the competitive side and instead focus on the amazing atmosphere and stunning Wicklow countryside!

Question 14

WHAT TRAINING SHOULD I DO?

Accepted Answer

There is no easy way through HELL & BACK but training definitely helps!
 
Check out our Training Page (https://www.hellandback.ie/post/unleash-your-potential-train-for-hell-back-no-matter-the-season)for more information and advice and tips, no matter what time of year it is!

Question 15

ARE THERE OFFICIAL PHOTOS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our crack team of photographers are strategically placed around the course to capture your movements over, under, through and around the various obstacles.
 
We take thousands of photos at each HELL & BACK event and post them to our own Facebook page,(https://www.facebook.com/HELLANDBACKCHALLENGE) or those of our sponsors, in the days afterwards.
 
Keep an eye on our Social Media for the latest photo updates.

Question 16

WHERE TO STAY / WHAT TO DO IN BRAY?

Accepted Answer

If you plan on spending a bit of time in Bray or Co Wicklow before or after your HELL & BACK adventure, 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 HellRaisers 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 clicks 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/listing/bray/)

PREPARE FOR HELL

frequently asked questions