.png)
Event Briefing for HELL & BACK 13/8KM (07/06/2025)
- aidanwalsh60
- Jun 4
- 14 min read
Updated: Jun 6
Hey HellRaisers,
Are you ready to take on the ultimate challenge? The countdown is on for our biggest HELL & BACK of the year – and you're part of it!
Whether you're going all-in on the 13KM or powering through the 8KM course, get ready to push yourself harder than ever before across the stunning, rugged terrain of Killruddery Estate.
You’ll be climbing, crawling, hauling and hurdling your way over 100+ natural and man-made challenges - from hills and forests and from swaps and streams to obstacles with names that speak for themselves:
Ice Baths
Valley of Pain
Sniper's Alley
Satan’s Pit
Electric Shocks
Splash Zone
Monkey Bars
All leading to our legendary finish: the Halfpipe Ramp, made famous by Ireland’s Fittest Family
TV show!
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
To make the most of your day, please take a few minutes to read all the information in the Event Briefing (07/06/2025) below. Give yourself plenty of time to park, sign in and drop your car keys / phone into the Secure Valuables store. The site opens at 08:00 so please make sure you arrive at least 60 MINUTUES before your allocated wave start time.
As administration for the event is now closed, we can no longer facilitate wave changes but if you've got a last-minute questions, check out our Frequently Asked Questions as your answer is probably in there!
PREP LIKE A PRO
Get a good night's sleep on Friday, eat a solid breakfast and come ready to give it everything. Stay hydrated and dress for the conditions - while we expect it to be pretty dry underfoot, you’ll still be getting wet and sweaty and you'll be tested every step of the way!
This is your shot to prove what you’re made of. We’ll see you at the Start Line on Saturday…and we’ll also be cheering you at the Finish!
The Alive Outside Team
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Optimum Nutrition - Fuel Your Performance!
YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY
This is HELL & BACK – so brace yourself for a tough challenge. You should be able to complete a minimum 8KM route with obstacles in approx. 2.5 hours. Your health and safety is our top priority, so if you have any doubts about your fitness, especially on a warm day, this might not be the event for you.
The Order of Malta will be onsite for the day to treat any cuts or bruises that may occur. As well as a First Aid Centre in the Lambing Shed beside the showers, there will be a doctor, 7 ambulances and a team of 40 Order of Malta staff onsite looking after all of us so make sure you get any injury treated immediately by one of the many trained First Aid staff.
Regarding hydration, on the 13KM course, you'll find water stations at the 4KM and 8KM marks, while the 8KM course has one at 5KM. There will also be water at the Finish Line so, no matter the weather, ensure you're well-hydrated before you set off and keep yourself hydrated throughout the run.
For sustainability, please dispose of your water cup in the recycling bins provided - let’s leave the course as clean as we found it!
Remember that Killruddery is a working farm and we don't want anyone picking up a nasty infection so:
if you notice any open cuts or wounds, get them treated by the Order of Malta ASAP;
use the sanitation station at the Finish Line;
go around the Electric Shocks if you’ve metal in your body;
wash your hands thoroughly before eating/drinking; and
wash yourself – and your clothes - thoroughly when you get home.
Warm showers are also available in the Lambing Shed so use them when you finish to wash the first layer of muck off - you'll need to wash off layers 2, 3 and 4 when you get home!
For more information about the potential risks from events located in farms, click here.
Post run, if you experience any of the symptoms detailed above for infectious diseases, contact your doctor immediately.
GETTING TO KILLRUDDERY / CAR PARKING
With 2,000+ cars arriving throughout the day, it's essential to plan your transportation wisely. To ensure a smooth and organised experience for all participants, we have devised a comprehensive car parking plan that will alternate between two car parks throughout the day:
IDA Business Park on Southern Cross Road; and
Grass Fields in Killruddery
Please follow the Visual Display Signs on your approach to Killruddery for your designated car park, have patience (it will be very busy!) and obey the instructions of our car parking attendants who will guide you to an available space.
In the spirit of eco-friendliness and maximising space, please carpool wherever possible. Sharing a ride not only reduces traffic congestion but also minimizes our carbon footprint.
Arrive at least 60 minutes before your allocated start time to allow time for parking, registration, wristband collection and to leave your car keys, mobile, wallet etc into the valuable drop, as well as familiarising yourself with all the facilities and services in the Event Village before you start on your hellish adventure.
PRE-PAY PARKING = €9 OR ON THE DAY = €10
If you haven't yet pre-purchased your car parking ticket, you can do so by clicking here and paying €9 per car. Alternatively, you can also pay €10 at the gate - cash is quicker and more efficient on the day so please stop off at an ATM for your tenner in advance.
Deadline for online prepayment is Fri 6th June @ 23:59 PM so sign up now!
SHUTTLE BUS PLAN
In line with our sustainability goals, a Shuttle Bus service will run from Bray DART Station to the IDA Car Park on Southern Cross Road, a 10-15 minute walk from the Registration Tent. Tickets were prepaid with your registation, but a limited number of seats are available on the day @ €10 return per person.
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ARRIVE AND CHECK IN 60 MINS BEFORE YOUR START TIME!
WHAT TO WEAR, INCLUDING FOOTWEAR
Click here to read our suggestions on what to wear...and, just as importantly, what NOT to wear!
FOOTWEAR IS VERY IMPORTANT! Trail runners are the best for grip in muddy conditions, while astro boots also work well. We strongly advise you not to wear runners, as the reduced grip may increase your risk of injury. Studs, cleats, blades and spikes are not permitted.
And make sure you triple know your laces so your footware doesn't get stuck in the mud!
WEATHER FORECAST
Saturday's forecast is a mixed bag with patches of sunshine and showers and temperatures on the cooler side for this time of year, hovering between 11 and 14 degrees. Keep an eye on Met Eireann for weather updates and dress accordingly.
START TIME CHECKER
Check your start time (or that of a friend) by clicking here and entering either the email address you registered with (recommended) or your surname...once you are listed on this page, we will find your details at the Registration Tent so don't panic, we will get you registered!
GETTING REGISTERED & READY TO GO
Collect and sign for your Wristband at the Registration Tent (located at the site entrance) at least 30 minutes before your wave start Ttime.
Please note: parking may be a 10-15 minute walk from registration, so we strongly recommend arriving at least 60 minutes before your start time to allow plenty of time to check in and get ready.
Late arrivals may be removed from the event without a refund. Click here to check your start time.
Our registration process is digital, so everyone must pass through the Registration Tent. Simply queue and go to the next available marshal. To speed things up, please bring the ticket you were sent when you originally signed up or the unique QR code you get on the Start Time Checker when you enter your email address.
IMPORTANT: Remember to enter the email address originally used to sign up -
it may therefore be your work or partner's email!
And don't worry, we should still be able to find your registration if you have none of the above, provided your booking is showing on the Start Time Checker!
Your Wristband, with your unique Participant Number and Wave Colour, must be fastened securely to your wrist immediately. You’ll need it to enter the Start Area and to collect your exclusive H&B T-shirt at the Finish Line. No Wristband = No Run & No T-Shirt!
We provide a Secure Valuables Drop for your car keys, mobile phone, wallet, etc. Allow yourself enough time to drop them off and pick them up afterwards.
E-CONSENT FORM
You must sign an electronic consent form when you arrive onsite. For speed and efficiency, make sure you are aware of these Terms & Conditions of Participation (link below) in advance of arriving.
No-one will be able to take part without agreeing to these T&Cs.
FAST TRACK FOR LARGE GROUPS
We offer a Fast Track option for teams of 10 or more and we’ve already contacted the Team Leaders to arrange this. If you’re part of a group of 10 or more participants and haven’t been in touch with us about Fast Track, email cormac.niland@aliveoutside.ie ASAP and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
REPLACEMENTS / TRANSFERS
While it is too late to apply for a transfer, if you cannot take part this Saturday, you can still get someone to replace you. They just need to collect your Wristband at the Registration Tent but then sign & print their own name. Our marshals will be able to help you out if you have any issues on the day.
SECURE VALUABLE DROP
In the Event Village, you'll find the Secure Valuables Drop for small items, including car keys, wallets, phones etc. 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!
While there’s no official storage for larger items (like kit bags with a change of clothes and a towel), you can leave them in the on-site dressing rooms, which are unmanned.
Top Tips:
The Secure Valuables Drop can get very busy during peak times, so we recommend arriving early to avoid any delays before your wave starts.
If you are participating with a friend, share one valuable bag between the two of you for speed and efficiency.
BRIAN KEANE & HYPE CREW AT START LINE
We are very excited to welcome the incredible Brian Keane to our Hype Crew & Warm-Up Team on Saturday.
Brian is an award-winning author, podcaster, qualified personal trainer, sports nutritionist and strength & conditioning coach. As one of Ireland’s leading faces in fitness and nutrition, he’s guaranteed to bring an extra level of energy and excitement to our already infamous Hype Crew!
Joining Brian on MC duties once again is the brilliant Liam Cahill, while Gavin and Kellyann will have you fired up and ready to go with a short, high-energy warm-up routine. And keeping the vibes strong all day long, Colin and Finn will be spinning the tunes.
This Saturday’s Warm Ups are set to be bigger, better and more hyped than ever before – so don’t miss them! You'll be called into the Starting Pen 15 minutes before your allocated wave time, so be ready to move!
SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS
On Saturday, we will once again have Irish Sign Language (ISL) Interpreters as part of our Hype Crew at the Start Line, continuing our objective towards greater inclusivity and accessibility at HELL & BACK.
From 13:10 until the last wave at 16:15 (waves 11-20), we will have two trained Irish Sign Language Interpreters (Aisling & Ciara) working as part of our Hype Crew at the Start Line to ensure effective communication for participants who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
GET READY FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY TO THE PEAK
Everyone participating on Saturday, whether you’re tackling the 13KM or 8KM, will be going all the way to the top – yes, the very top! – of Little Sugar Loaf mountain.
At the summit, you’ll face an obstacle called the Bell Ring, offering breathtaking views of Dublin Bay – though you might not be in any fit state to enjoy them!
But don't fret: if you’re not comfortable with any obstacle, you’re free to walk around it. This includes all water-based challenges at Splash Zone. Non-swimmers can easily skip these sections and anyone who chooses to take them on must wear a buoyancy aid for safety..
WORK TOGETHER
While you can set your own pace out on the course, H&B is much more fun when you work together and help others to get over all the obstacles. There are no prizes for finishing fast so remember that it's not a race, it's a challenge!
And whatever speed you run at, you'll be met with a friendly smile and lots of encouragement from our team of marshals!
SPECTATORS & SUPPORTERS
Please note that HELL & BACK is not a very spectator-friendly event, particularly for young children/babies in buggies and those with restricted mobility, due to the uneven terrain typical of farm fields.
That said, if you do bring supporters, remind them that Killruddery is a working farm and they should dress appropriately for all weather conditions. We recommend wellies and waterproofs on Saturday to be on the safe side!
We suggest your supporters cheer you on at the start, grab a coffee and a bite to eat and then follow the Spectator Route to meet you near the end of the course. Keep in mind that, depending on your speed, they may need to wait 2-3 hours to see you between the start and finish.
While much of course is not accessible to supporters for Health & Safety reasons, we have introduced a new Spectator Route, which provides access to a small section of the course. Simply follow the Spectator Route signs.
Additionally, please note that the Lake, home to Splash Zone, is located in the heart of Killruddery, approximately a 10 minute walk from the Event Village. Spectators who visit this area will need to move quickly afterwards if they want to catch you crossing the Finish Line!
SWIMMING & SPLASH ZONE
One of our most popular obstacles is Splash Zone on the Lake in the centre of Killruddery, which consists of the Water Jump, Pontoon Mania and Splashdown Slide.
From a water safety perspective, everyone is fitted with a buoyancy aid when they get in the vicinity of the Lake, while our team of lifeguards patrol both from in the water on kayaks and from the bank.
If you - or your child for H&B Family or H&B Teen - are not a confident swimmer or dislike water, you should not attempt this zone. Simply inform a lifeguard at the Lake, who will guide you around it. (If you have children doing H&B Family or H&B Teen, please discuss this with your child before Saturday, reassuring them that they do not need to participate in this part.)
CLOSING TIMES
We expect the average person to take approx. 2.5 hours to complete the 8KM course so everyone will have plenty of time to complete the course before the 18:45 closing time.
Please note that, if you don't made it to certain points by a specified time, you will be redirected towards the Finish Line via a shortcut. For Health & Safety reasons, anyone not finished by 18:45 will be assisted to the Finish Line by buggy.
The site will then close at 19:15 with the last DART Shuttle Bus also leaving the Southern Cross IDA Car Park at 19:30 so please make sure you bring all belongings with you when you leave.
EXCLUSIVE H&B FINISHER'S TSHIRT
After you finish, make sure you collect your exclusive H&B Finisher's Tshirt that you can wear with pride forevermore!
EVENT VILLAGE FACILITIES & SERVICES
Once you've registered, you’ll walk through Hell’s Kitchen, where you can grab a coffee, a snack or any last-minute essentials from the Portwest Shop.
Need to store small personal items like your car keys, phone or wallet? Visit the Secure Valuables Drop. And be sure to check out the Defence Forces Recruitment Stand on the way!
Continue on through the small woodland to the Lambing Shed, where you'll find the Changing Rooms, First Aid Centre and warm showers to freshen up after your challenge.
If you conquer the course, you'll collect your exclusive "I Made It Thru' HELL & BACK" t-shirt at the Finish Line. Ensure your Wristband is securely fastened before you start, as you'll need to show it to get your t-shirt at the end.
WARM SHOWERS
As mentioned above, warm showers are available in the Lambing Shed, located beside the changing rooms. Just a heads-up - this is a working farm so don’t expect luxury!
Please note: shampoos, gels and soaps are not permitted due to the presence of farm animals nearby. Therefore use the warm water to rinse off that first layer of muck – but be warned, layers 2, 3 and 4 will have to wait until you get home!!
HELL'S KITCHEN FOOD VILLAGE - FUEL UP & FEAST!
We have a fantastic lineup of food vendors who will be serving up hearty, mouth-watering grub to help you recharge and celebrate your achievement after you finish. Whether you’re craving something hot, sweet, savoury or downright indulgent, there’s something for every HellRaiser:
Loaded Fries & Burger
Toasties & Coffee
Ice Cream Van
Coffee & Donut
Fish & Chips
Bobs Pizza
Bobs Dipped
Dan's Traditional Ice Cream
Dan's Traditional Hot Dog
The Crepe Box
The Gyro Box
OPTIMUM NUTRITION - FUEL YOUR PERFORMANCE!
We're delighted to have Optimum Nutrition, the world’s No.1 sports nutrition brand, back as an official HELL & BACK partner! Part of the Glanbia Performance Nutrition family, Optimum Nutrition is the official nutritional partner of McLaren, Leinster Rugby, the Gaelic Players Association…and, of course, HELL & BACK!
To help you power through the course and recover like a pro, Optimum Nutrition offers a comprehensive range of sports and fitness supplements designed to support you before, during and after your HELL & BACK challenge. You’ll have the chance to sample some of their products at the Finish Line on Saturday, so make sure to grab a well-earned boost after conquering the course!
Want to stock up? Click here to claim an exclusive 25% discount* from their online shop using the code HELLANDBACK25!
Click here to read more about our partnership with Optimum Nutrition.
* Terms and conditions apply. 25% discount applies to non-"Elite" products only.
JEEP IRELAND
We’re thrilled to welcome Jeep Ireland as an official event partner on Saturday where they’ll be supercharging our notorious Electric Shocks obstacle close to the Finish Line, powered by the all-new Jeep Avenger - a bold step in Jeep’s mission to make electric driving more exciting and accessible than ever.
HELL & BACK is all about adventure, freedom and no regrets. Jeep gets it! Explore Jeep Ireland’s full range by clicking here!
PORTWEST - THE OUTDOOR SHOP
We're delighted to partner with Portwest for the first time this Saturday - and they’re definitely showing up in style! Catch Portwest – The Outdoor Shop in the Event Village with their merchant stall, games and prizes - so whether you’re running the course or cheering from the sidelines, swing by to say hi and be in with a chance of winning some epic outdoor gear! Click here for more about Portwest at HELL & BACK!
IRISH DEFENCE FORCES
We're excited to, once again, welcome members of the Irish Defence Forces onsite on Saturday where they'll have a recruitement stand for anyone interested in exploring a career with them.
Chat to real soldiers from the 7th Infantry Battalion, ask your questions and find out what life in the Defence Forces is really like.
Whether you're curious or seriously considering signing up – this is your chance to learn more!
INSURANCE COVER
All participants have paid for Personal Accident Cover, which may include benefits in the event of you incurring an injury on the course. Visit our the "Insurance" section of our FAQs for more info.
WICKLOW TOURISM
If you'd like to overnight beforehand or afterwards, or want to explore Wicklow, then check out the Wicklow Tourism website for more details about the county known as the best of outdoor adventure! Click here for Wicklow Tourism.
H&B FAQS
As administration for the event is now closed, we can no longer facilitate wave changes. If you have any late queries, please check our Frequently Asked Questions as your answer is more than likely there.
