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.

The 3-5KM course is suitable for children aged 8 or older. While there is no strict upper age limit, the course is primarily designed for national school children so we suggest a cut off of 12 or 13. For insurance reasons, children who are 7 and under will not be able to register or take part.

No. Our Adult HELL & BACK events are separate to HELL & BACK 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.

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.

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 tired but happy! For events held from June to September (eg Splash Attack), 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!

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.

Yes! You can raise funds for your favourite cause, like a charity or sports club. Tell family and friends about your HELL & BACK Junior challenge to get sponsors. For sponsorship forms and materials, click here.

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. IMPORTANT: THIS OPTION IS NOT AVAILABLE WITH 7 DAYS OF AN EVENT! Please note: While we’re unable to officially change start times within 7 days of the event, your child is welcome to start later than their allocated time - just not earlier. For example, if your child is registered for 12:00 and their friend is down for 12:20, they can both start together at 12:20 - but not at 12:00.

As outlined in the Event Terms and Conditions you agreed to when registering, refunds are not available if your child cannot participate in HELL & BACK Junior. However, you may appoint a replacement to take your child's place by following these steps: Forward your replacement the original Ticket / Confirmation Email (or QR code). On event day, your replacement must present this Ticket/QR code at the Registration Tent to collect the allocated Wristband. The replacement must review the Event Terms and Conditions and, if satisfied, sign their name beside the allocated Wristband Number. This means that if your child gets injured or is unable to take part, you can transfer their 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 of our Facebook. ​ If you have any queries about transfers or refunds, please email registrations@aliveoutside.ie.

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

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!

Yes, spectators are very welcome to come along and cheer on the children – there’s no charge for entry. Just a heads-up that there is a parking fee per car, so we do recommend carpooling where possible: €9 per car when booked in advance as part of your online ticket registration; or €10 per car if paying at the gate on the day. PLEASE NOTE: For the most events, 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, especially if pushing buggies etc. For all events, we recommend supporters dress appropriately for the weather and terrain, especially if there are slippy underfoot conditions.

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.

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 large teams of 8 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.

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.

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.

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.

For safeguarding reasons, there are no formal changing rooms onsite at HELL & BACK Junior. Children are welcome to change in and around the Event Village, and many parents and group leaders find that towels or oversized t-shirts make quick pre- or post-run changes much easier. We recommend arriving dressed and ready to go and bringing a spare set of clothes and shoes for the car ride home. After the event, your child should shower and their clothes should be washed thoroughly to minimise the risk of infection.

Yes, there is a parking fee per car. You can purchase a parking pass for €9 during your online registration or pay €10 at the gate on the day. As parking is limited, we strongly encourage carpooling where possible. A Car Parking Plan, including a site map, will be emailed to all parents a few days before the event. We also recommend that all supporters dress appropriately for the weather and terrain, especially if conditions are wet or slippery underfoot. PLEASE NOTE: For most HELL & BACK Junior events, 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, especially if pushing a buggy etc.

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!

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

Absolutely! There are plenty of activities for both participants and spectators, making it a great family day out. PLEASE NOTE: For most HELL & BACK Junior events, 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, especially if pushing a buggy etc.

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.

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!

Yes, we have a range of merchandise available on the day, but stocks are limited so come early.

Yes, you can read them by clicking here.