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Event Briefing for Hell & Back Winter Warrior on Sat 28th Feb
- Feb 24
- 15 min read
Updated: Feb 25
Winter Warriors, your time has come!
You've secured your place. There's no turning back. Hell & Back Winter Warrior 2026 is almost here and Co. Wicklow is ready to test you in wet, wild and windy fashion!
This is not your average obstacle course. It's a relentless winter challenge built to drain energy and demand grit. Whether you're taking on 7KM (1 lap), doubling down for 14KM (two laps) or pushing through the full 21KM half marathon (3 laps), every kilometre will test your endurance, strength and resolve.
You'll face iconic obstacles like Heartbreak Ridge, Valley of Pain and Satan’s Pit - all while battling the elements head-on.
Our Start & Finish Lines return to Giltspur, so expect big atmosphere from the get-go. After weeks of torrential rain, conditions are as tough as ever - it's VERY, VERY mucky out there - proper Winter Warrior terrain!
But that Finish Line feeling? Unmatched. You'll earn your exclusive H&B Winter Warrior Finisher's Medal and, more importantly, the satisfaction of conquering one of Ireland's toughest winter challenges.
When you're done, head into Hell’s Kitchen Food Village to refuel with hot food and well-earned treats available to purchase.
Please read this Winter Warrior Event Briefing in full -
it’ll make your day run far more smoothly!
Allow plenty of time to park, check in at Registration and use the Secure Valuables Drop for car keys and mobile phones. The site opens at 08:15. We strongly recommend arriving site 75 minutes before your allocated start time to avoid unnecessary stress.
Event administration is now closed, so we are unable to accommodate wave changes. If you have any last-minute questions, please check our Frequently Asked Questions - most queries are covered there!
This is a demanding winter challenge, so prepare properly. Get a solid night’s sleep and fuel up with a proper breakfast before travelling to Killruddery. You’ll need your energy to take on the elements, tackle the obstacles and push through the course.
Most importantly - embrace it. It will be tough. It will be mucky. It will test you. But it will also be unforgettable.
You signed up for this. Now own it.
See you on Saturday.
The Alive Outside Team
💡Top Tip: Hot showers are available in Shoreline Leisure Centre, a 5 min drive away
TABLE OF CONTENTS
YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY
This is Hell & Back Winter Warrior - so brace yourself for a tough challenge. You should be able to complete a minimum 7KM lap with obstacles in less than 2 hours. Your health and safety is our top priority, so if you have any doubts about your fitness - especially on what may be a cold, wet and demanding winter day - this might not be the event for you.
Winter Warrior is a serious physical challenge and conditions can change quickly at this time of year, so prepare properly. Get a solid night’s sleep and fuel up with a proper breakfast before travelling to Killruddery. You’ll need your energy to take on the trails, the obstacles and the elements.
The Order of Malta will be onsite all day to treat any cuts, bruises or injuries that may occur. As well as a dedicated Drop In Centre at the Finish Line in Giltspur, the Main First Aid Centre in Basecamp will be staffed by a doctor, two ambulances and a team of 15 trained Order of Malta personnel. If you pick up any knocks or injuries, don’t tough it out - get checked and treated immediately by one of the many trained First Aid staff onsite.
Regarding hydration, you'll find water stations at approximately 3.5KM and 7KM (end of lap), as well as at the Finish Line. No matter the weather, make sure you're well-hydrated before you set off and continue to top up your fluids 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 sanitisation stations provided before eating/drinking.
Wash yourself - and your clothes - thoroughly when you get home.
Hot showers are available a short drive away in Shoreline Leisure Centre on the Southern Cross Road (click for Google Maps link). It's the perfect spot to rinse off the first layer of Killruddery muck - you’ll probably need to wash off layers two, three and four when you get home!
💡Top Tip: Bring a plastic bag or old towel to sit on in your car on your way to Shoreline!
For more information about the potential risks from events located on farms, click here.
Post run, if you experience any of the symptoms detailed above for infectious diseases, contact your doctor immediately.
GILTSPUR = START / FINISH / EVENT VILLAGE
Following the success of Hell & Back Winter Warrior last March, the event will once again be based in Giltspur Basecamp, located in the heart of Killruddery Estate. This area will host the Start and Finish Lines and Event Village, including food and drinks, First Aid and toilets.
WARNING: THIS IS NOT A SPECTATOR-FRIENDLY EVENT!
Due to the Giltspur location, which is better suited to the weather conditions at this time of year, this event involves significant walking.
Please be aware that the Car Parks are located a considerable distance from the main event site, and access to Giltspur includes a long uphill walk, particularly between Registration and the Start/Finish Line.
As shown on the map below, you should allow time to:
Walk at least 10-15 minutes from the Car Park to Registration.
Walk a further 5-10 minutes uphill to the Start Line in Giltspur.
Allow 15-25 minutes to walk back to your car after finishing.
Given the time of year, recent very heavy rainfall and challenging underfoot conditions, the route follows uneven farm paths and is NOT SUITABLE for child buggies, strollers or anyone uncomfortable with long uphill walks. Please factor this in when planning for Saturday.
The entire site is very wet so if you are bringing supporters, we recommend waterproof clothing and wellies or sturdy footwear!
GETTING TO KILLRUDDERY / CAR PARKING
With 850+ 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:
Killruddery Car Park - For Early Wave 1 participants (opens from 08:00)
Southern Cross Road IDA Car Park – For Late Wave 1 and all Wave 2 to 5 participants
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 75 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.
NB: ARRIVE AT LEAST 75 MINS BEFORE YOUR ALLOCATED START TIME
Deadline for online prepayment is Wed 25th Feb @ 23:59 PM so sign up now!
NO SWIMMING - JUST PURE WINTER MADNESS!
For health and safety reasons, and thanks to the wild, wet and wintry Wicklow weather, this event does not include any swimming or water obstacles. But don’t think for a second that means you’ll stay dry!
Instead, get ready to crawl, climb and scramble through an onslaught of brutally brilliant obstacles designed to push you to your limits. Expect deep mud, slippery slopes, ice-cold winds and relentless terrain - because who needs a dip in a lake when Mother Nature is throwing everything she’s got at you?!
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, especially on what is a very wet course. Studs, cleats, blades and spikes are not permitted.
And make sure you triple knot your laces so your footware doesn't get stuck in the mud!
WEATHER FORECAST
With a few days to go, the forecast for Saturday is still subject to change, but one thing’s for sure - it won’t be warm! Current predictions suggest cloudy conditions, with temperatures hovering between 5 and 8 degrees, and you can bet that cold, rain and wind won’t be too far behind.
Keep an eye on Met Eireann for the latest updates and dress accordingly - layer up, brace yourself and be ready for whatever the Wicklow weather throws at you!
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 Registration so don't panic, we will get you registered!
GETTING REGISTERED & READY TO GO
As shown on the map above, the Car Parks, Registration, Event Village and Start / Finish Lines are spread across the site, with significant walking between each area. Please allow time for:
10-15 minutes from the Car Park to Registration
5-10 minutes from Registration to the Start Line in Giltspur
To avoid unnecessary stress, we strongly recommend arriving onsite at least 75 minutes before your start time. Late arrivals may be refused entry without refund.
Collect and sign for your Wristband at the Registration Tent at least 30 minutes before your wave start time.
Our registration process is fully digital, so all participants must pass through the Registration Tent. Simply queue and go to the next available marshal.
To speed up registration, please bring:
your original ticket, or
your QR code from entering your email address on the Start Time Checker.
IMPORTANT: To get your QR code, enter the email address originally used to sign up -
this may be a work or partner’s email address.
And don't worry, if you don't have your ticket or QR code, we should still be able to locate your booking, provided it appears on the Start Time Checker.
Your Wristband must be fastened securely to your wrist immediately. It shows your Participant Number and Wave Colour and is required to:
Enter the Start Area
Take part in the event
Collect your finisher medal
IMPORTANT: No Wristband = No Run & No Medal
We provide a Secure Valuables Drop for car keys, mobile phones and wallets. Please allow enough time to drop off and collect your belongings before and after your run.
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 4 or more (3+ for Wave 1) and we’ve already contacted the Team Leaders to arrange this. If you’re part of a group of 4 or more participants and haven’t been in touch with us about Fast Track, email registrations@aliveoutside.ie ASAP and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
REPLACEMENTS / TRANSFERS
While it is too late to arrange an official transfer, you can still send a replacement participant if you are unable to take part this Saturday. Your replacement simply needs to collect your Wristband at Registration and sign and print their own name when checking in. Our marshals will be available to help if there are any questions on the day.
EVENT VILLAGE FACILITIES & SERVICES IN GILTSPUR
Once through Registration, it's a 5-10 minute uphill walk to Giltspur Basecamp, where you will find the Start & Finish Lines and the Event Village. Food, hot drinks and snacks will be available and you can wait in Giltspur until your starting group ("wave") is called. Participants will be invited into the Holding Pen approx. 20 minutes before their allocated start time.
💡Top Tip: Killruddery is a working farm so don't expect luxury!
Remember that there are no showers onsite on Saturday. However, hot showers are available only a short drive away in Shoreline Leisure Centre on the Southern Cross Road (click for Google Maps link).
SECURE VALUABLE DROP
In Giltspur, you'll find the Secure Valuables Drop for small personal items, including car keys, wallets and mobile phones. Please note:
All items must fit into a small freezer-sized zip bag.
You'll be given a numbered wristband when dropping off valuables.
You must present this wristband to collect your items.
No wristband = no valuables!
We do not provide storage for larger items such as kit bags or spare clothing but you are welcome to leave in Giltspur at your own risk. We strongly recommend placing all valuables in the Secure Valuables Drop before heading out on the course.
💡Top Tips:
The Secure Valuables Drop can get very busy during peak times, so we recommend arriving early to avoid delays before your wave starts.
If you are taking part with a friend, consider sharing one valuable bag for quicker dropoff and collection.
LIMITED CHANGING FACILITIES - PLAN AHEAD
Changing facilities in Giltspur are extremely limited, so we strongly recommend arriving in your running gear and leaving your kit bag in your car.
As noted above, a Secure Valuables Drop is available for small items such as car keys, wallets and phones, but large kit bags cannot be stored onsite. Please plan accordingly.
Be aware that the paths back to the Car Parks are likely to become very muddy, especially if it rains. The last thing you want is to change into clean, dry clothes and then walk back through mud to your car.
Instead, we recommend returning to your car to change on solid ground, so you stay warm, dry and comfortable for the journey home.
HYPE CREW AT START LINE
We are very excited to welcome back Spin South West's Tadhg Kennedy to our Hype Crew & Warm-Up Team on Saturday.
Joining Tahdg 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.
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 approx. 20 minutes before your allocated wave time, so be ready to move!
NOT VERY SPECTATOR-FRIENDLY - AND FOR GOOD REASON!
As mentioned above, recent heavy rainfall and very poor ground conditions mean this Winter Warrior event is far better suited to participants than spectators.
For health and safety reasons, spectators are restricted to the Giltspur Start / Finish area. While they can watch participants set off, they should expect a 2-3 hour wait before seeing them finish, as there is no access to the course or obstacles.
Most cars will be parked 15-25 minutes walk from Giltspur, so it is not practical to leave and return during the event. This means a 30-50 minute round trip on muddy paths, which can be challenging in winter conditions.
Given the cold, wet weather and difficult terrain, this event is a very different experience from a Hell & Back summer event. We strongly recommend leaving spectators at home - they’ll thank you for it in the long run!
A 7KM WINTER OBSTACLE LOOP LIKE NO OTHER!
The 7KM loop awaiting you this Saturday is rugged, relentless and ready to test every ounce of your endurance. Between the brutal obstacles, punishing terrain and whatever the Wicklow winter throws at you, this course is not for the faint-hearted.
Whether you’re taking on 7KM (one lap), 14KM (two laps) or the full 21KM (three laps = half-marathon), you’ll be crawling, climbing and scrambling from the moment you set off. Expect a gruelling mix of steep hills, deep mud, rocky trails and treacherous terrain, with very little chance to catch your breath.
Scattered along the route are some of our toughest obstacles, including Heartbreak Ridge, Valley of Pain and Satan’s Pit - each one built to test your strength, stamina and determination.
Unlike the summer events, there are no water obstacles or swimming, but don’t mistake that for an easier ride. The rain, wind and thick, energy-draining mud will ensure you’re soaked, cold and working harder with every step.
And after all the mud, bogs and obstacles, the Finish Line is finally in sight. That last stretch is your moment to soak it all in - tired, battered and covered in muck, but victorious. Keep moving, cross that line and enjoy the feeling of conquering the challenge. You’ve well and truly earned it!
BE READY FOR THE COURSE!
We want you to be fully prepared for your Winter Warrior experience this Saturday, so here’s what’s waiting for you out on the course.
The First Third – The Test: The opening section is tough. Expect very wet and demanding ground with plenty of obstacles and energy-sapping terrain. This is the part that will test your grit and determination early on. It’s challenging by design - stay steady, work your way through it and trust that you’ll find your rhythm.
The Second Third – The Reset: Once you break through the opening section, the course opens up. You’ll move onto firmer forest trails where you can settle in and catch your breath. There’s a gradual climb of roughly 100m of elevation here - enough to keep you working and prepare for the final push.
The Final Third – The Finish: Then it’s into the final stretch. Expect some iconic Wicklow views, legendary Hell & Back obstacles and that unmistakable sense that you’re getting close. This is where you dig deep and drive yourself towards the Finish Line - or next lap!
Prepare properly, pace yourself and embrace the challenge.
WAVE 1 @ 09:45 - STRICT CUT OFF TIMES
The first wave of the day at 09:45 is for participants aiming to complete 1 (7KM), 2 (14KM) or 3 (21KM - half-marathon!) laps, but to continue beyond each lap, you must meet the strict cut-off times below. These time limits are deliberately tough, so push hard, stay on pace and keep moving!
2nd Lap Cut-Off (7-14KM): 11:30 AM (105 mins)
3rd Lap Cut-Off (14-21KM): 12:00 PM (135 mins)
Each time you complete a lap, you'll receive a new coloured wristband to distinguish you from others on the course.
Hell & Back isn't usually about winners but, due to the unique challenge of this event, there will be a small prize for the first male and first female to complete the full 21KM half-marathon - both earning the title of true Winter Warrior!
COURSE CLOSING TIMES
For those starting in Waves 2-5 (from 11:15-13:10), this is more of a fun run with obstacles, so take it at your own pace and enjoy the experience!
The average completion time for the 7KM loop is around 1 hour 45 minutes, meaning everyone should have plenty of time to finish before the 15:15 closing time.
However, please note that if you don’t reach certain points by specified times, you will be redirected towards the Finish Line via a shortcut. For Health & Safety reasons, anyone still on the course after 15:15 will be assisted to the Finish Line by buggy.
The site will close at 15:45, and the Southern Cross IDA Car Park will close at 16:00, so please ensure you take all belongings with you when you leave.
WORK TOGETHER
While you can set your own pace out on the course, Hell & Back is much more fun when you work together and help others to get over all the obstacles. Apart from those doing a 3-lap half marathon, 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!
EXCLUSIVE H&B WINTER WARRIOR FINISHER'S MEDAL
After you finish, don’t forget to collect your exclusive H&B Winter Warrior Finisher’s Medal - a well-earned reward you can wear with pride.
SAMPLING PARTNERS
We’re delighted to welcome WaterWipes and Ultrapure as official sampling partners for Hell & Back Winter Warrior this weekend. Keep an eye out in the Finish Area on Saturday for post-run samples and freshen-up essentials.
HOT SHOWERS IN SHORELINE LEISURE
If you’re in need of a hot shower after your HELL & BACK adventure, head to Shoreline Leisure Centre on the Southern Cross Road - just a short drive from Killruddery and the IDA Business Park. Male and female dressing rooms with showers are available, so you can clean off the mud and warm up before heading home.
💡Top Tips:
It's best to pack up your car and drive to Shoreline, as it’s a bit too far to walk post-event.
Bring a plastic bag to sit on in your car on the way!
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:
The Crepe Box
The Gyro Box
Hot Dogs
Bobs Pizza
Southern Fried Chicken
Street Buger & Fries
Bagels-Coffee-Toasties
Coffee & Donuts
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.
