Question 1

WHAT IS HELL & BACK JUNIOR?

Accepted Answer

Hell & Back Junior is Ireland’s largest series of one-day sports events, designed specifically for children. It features a mix of fun and challenging obstacles designed to encourage physical activity, teamwork and confidence in a safe, well-managed environment.

Courses vary by event, with distances typically ranging from 4KM to 7KM, and are held throughout the 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.

Each event is tailored to suit the specific group taking part, with clear guidance provided at the time of booking.

Question 2

WHAT AGE MUST MY CHILD BE TO PARTICIPATE?

Accepted Answer

Minimum age requirements vary depending on the event and course. Shorter distances (typically 3-5KM) are designed for younger participants (from age 8+), while longer courses (up to 7KM) are better suited to those with greater confidence or experience (from age 10+).

Full details on age eligibility are outlined at the time of booking and all participants must meet the minimum age requirement for their chosen event.

While there is no strict upper age limit, Hell & Back Junior is primarily designed for primary school-aged participants.

Question 3

WILL THERE BE ADULTS PARTICIPATING?

Accepted Answer

No - Hell & Back Junior is specifically designed for children and our adult Hell & Back events are run separately.

For health and safety reasons, parents are not permitted to run on the course with their children. However, you can follow the Spectator Route and run alongside your child for short sections of the course - just try to keep up!

We recommend cheering them on through the opening obstacles, then taking the chance to grab a coffee or a bite to eat before meeting them at the Finish Line.

Question 4

CAN I HELP MY CHILD AROUND THE COURSE?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

WHAT TYPE OF CHALLENGES SHOULD MY CHILD EXPECT?

Accepted Answer

Hell & Back Junior is Ireland’s largest series of one-day sports events, specifically for children aged 8 to 12. Each event blends fun and challenge, with obstacles that encourage physical activity, teamwork and confidence in a safe, supportive outdoor environment. Children will go over, under, around and through a mix of natural and man-made obstacles - finishing the course tired, proud and happy.

For events held during the summer months (June to September), some water-based obstacles involve swimming while wearing a buoyancy aid. Outside of this period, for example Helloween in October, the lake is too cold, so water obstacles are removed and no swimming is required.

As with all Hell & Back Junior events, children can choose to skip any obstacle they are not comfortable with and simply walk around it - no problem at all!

Question 6

CAN I REGISTER A TEAM / MORE THAN ONE CHILD?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can register a team and reserve up to 50 places.

Our Syndicated Payments option allows you to send a secure payment link to other parents, making it easy for everyone to book and pay individually. Any unpaid places are automatically released after 7 days. For example, if you reserve 25 places and only 21 are paid for within that time, the remaining 4 places will be released.

If you need any assistance with large group bookings, please email registrations@aliveoutside.ie and our team will be happy to help.

Question 7

CAN WE USE H&B JUNIOR AS A FUNDRAISER?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Hell & Back Junior is a great way to raise funds for a cause close to your heart, such as a charity, school or sports club.

Simply share your challenge with family and friends and ask them to sponsor your effort. It’s a fun and rewarding way for children to get active while supporting something meaningful.

For sponsorship forms and materials, click here.

Question 8

CAN I SWITCH WAVE START TIMES AFTER REGISTERING?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

CAN I GET A REFUND?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

CAN MY CHILD WEAR FANCY DRESS?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 12

CAN WE BRING SUPPORTERS?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

WILL THERE BE PHOTOGRAPHERS?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

WHY DO I NEED TO SIGN A WAIVER FOR MY CHILD?

Accepted Answer

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. You can find out more in the Event Terms and Conditions.

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.

Question 15

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

There are inherent risks involved in participating in Hell & Back Junior.
​
A mandatory Personal Accident Insurance Fee of €3 per child is included in your registration fee. This policy is designed to help cover certain costs associated with injuries sustained during the event.

The Personal Accident policy includes a range of benefits, such as cover for medical expenses (subject to an excess of €70), for injuries incurred while participating in the Hell & Back Junior event your child is registered for.

Please note this is a summary of the cover provided and does not form part of the insurance contract. For full policy details or any queries, please email registrations@aliveoutside.ie.

Question 16

WILL THERE BE MEDICS / EMERGENCY FACILITIES AVAILABLE?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

WHAT OTHER ONSITE FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE?

Accepted Answer

We have a small food village onsite where you can grab a coffee and enjoy a range of snacks and treats. There will also be a retail area stocked with official Hell & Back Junior t-shirts and merchandise - perfect for taking home a reminder of the day.

Question 18

WILL THERE BE CHANGING FACILITIES?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?

Accepted Answer

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 many 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.

Question 20

WHAT IF IT'S RAINING?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 21

WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS A MEDICAL ISSUE?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 22

WILL WE HAVE FUN?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! There are plenty of activities for both participants and spectators, making it a great family day out.

PLEASE NOTE: For many 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.

Question 23

WHAT DOES MY CHILD GET FOR COMPLETING HELL & BACK JUNIOR?

Accepted Answer

Along with the excitement and sense of achievement that comes from completing the Hell & Back Junior course, every participant will receive an exclusive Hell & Back Junior neck scarf.

Photos from the day will also be available to view on our Hell & Back Junior Facebook page after the event.

There will also be a shop onsite where you can purchase additional mementos of what will hopefully be a fantastic day, including official Hell & Back Junior t-shirts.

Question 24

CAN MY CHILD DO A SECOND LAP?

Accepted Answer

Our top priority is to ensure that every child has a safe and enjoyable experience. For this reason, children are not permitted to complete a second lap of the Hell & Back Junior course.

To make sure they still get a full and exciting challenge, each course has been extended to at least 4KM and includes a range of new obstacles. Your child will find the course both challenging and rewarding - a fun-filled adventure from start to finish.

Question 25

CAN I BUY HELL & BACK JUNIOR MERCHANDISE?

Accepted Answer

Yes - there will be a range of Hell & Back Junior merchandise available onsite, including t-shirts and tote bags. Stocks are limited so make sure to get in early to grab your gear.

Question 26

ARE THERE TERMS & CONDITIONS TO TAKING PART?

Accepted Answer

Yes - you can view the full Terms & Conditions by clicking here.

HELLOWEEN JUNIOR

ADVENTURE HAS NO LIMITS

GET READY FOR A HALLOWEEN SPOOK-TACULAR CHALLENGE - JUST FOR KIDS!​​​​​

EXCLUSIVELY FOR KIDS!

HELL & BACK JUNIOR HELLOWEEN IS BACK FOR 2026! 🎃🔥​​​​

A BRAND NEW GRAVEYARD ZONE AWAITS!​​ 💀​​​

TAKE ON THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE FOR KIDS!

SWIMMING NOT REQUIRED!

SEE THE FUN FOR YOURSELF

EXPERIENCE A HALLOWEEN-THEMED ADVENTURE ON SAT 17TH OCT!

JUNIOR FAQS