.png)
Event Briefing for Hell & Back Trail Running @ Dawn 10KM on Sat 25th Apr
- Apr 22
- 8 min read
Runners, your sunrise run awaits 🌄!
You’ve secured your place in our very first Trail Running @ Dawn 10KM - and this Saturday in Glendalough Estate, you’ll experience something completely different.
No obstacles. No noise. No distractions.
Just the trail, the dawn and you.
Built by the team behind Hell & Back, this is a unique trail run through one of the most scenic locations in the country.
WHAT TO EXPECT
🌄 05:30 sharp start – don’t miss it
🌲 10KM of pure trail – forest paths, natural terrain and steady climbs
🌅 Run into sunrise – from darkness into first light over the Wicklow mountains
⏱ No timing chips – run your own race or follow a pacer
🙌 5 pacer groups available – including a Final Support Pacer
KEY INFO
🚗 Gates open: 04:30 - 05:10
📝 Registration closes: 05:15 sharp
⏰ Arrive by 05:00 latest
🔦 Head torch recommended (low light at the start)
🎒 Valuables drop for small items - no storage for large bags
⚠️ No spectators permitted
While the world is still asleep, you’ll move through quiet forest trails as the light builds around you.
Cool air. Silent surroundings. A proper trail run.
No pressure - just find your rhythm and enjoy it.
See you on Saturday.
The Alive Outside Team
💡Top Tip: Read the full Trail Running @ Dawn Event Briefing below carefully -
it contains everything you need to know to make the most of your trail run!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY
This is Hell & Back Trail Running @ Dawn 10KM - a tough trail challenge. You should be comfortable completing a 10KM trail run within 2 hours.
Your health and safety is our top priority - if you have any doubts about your fitness, this event may not be suitable.
Prepare properly
Get to bed early and try to get a few hours sleep
Fuel up before arrival
Be ready for a demanding course, especially the climb to the Red Shed (highest point)
Medical Support
The Order of Malta First Aid team will be onsite throughout the event. If you pick up any knocks or injuries, do not push through - get checked immediately.
Hydration & Refuel
💧 Water station at approx. 4.3KM (Red Shed)
💧🍌 Water and Banana available at the Finish Line
Arrive well-hydrated and top up fluids during the run.
Respect the Course
Please use the recycling bins provided and leave no trace - let’s keep the course as we found it.
Working Farm Environment
Glendalough Estate is a working farm so take extra care:
Treat any cuts or wounds immediately (Order of Malta onsite)
Use sanitisation stations at the Finish Line before eating or drinking
Wash yourself and your clothes thoroughly after the event.
If you feel unwell after the event, contact your doctor immediately.
For more information about the potential risks from events located on farms, click here.
NOTE: THIS IS NOT A VERY SPECTATOR-FRIENDLY EVENT!
GETTING THERE / CAR PARKING
The event takes place in Glendalough Estate, Drummin, Co Wicklow - Google Maps link.
Gates open: 04:30 - 05:10
Registration closes: 05:15
💡Top Tip: You must be registered by 05:15 so please don't be late!
Arrive by 05:00 at the latest to allow time for parking, registration, a quick toilet stop and dropping in your small valuables before the start.
On Arrival
Please follow the directions of our car parking attendants at all times. With 350+ cars accessing a rural site in the dark, their guidance is essential for everyone’s safety.
💡Top Tip: Use your phone light to guide your way to the Registration Tent - or bring a head torch, especially for the opening section of the run!
Site Layout
All key areas are within 200m of each other:
Car Parks (in grass fields)
Registration
Portaloo Toilets
Secure Valuables Drop
Start/Finish Line
Everything is quick and easy to access once onsite.
♻️ Carpool where possible to reduce congestion and minimise our carbon footprint.
KEY TIMINGS & EVENT INFO
🚗Car Park Gates Open: 04:30 - 05:10
📝Registration Open: 04:35 - 05:15 (closes sharp)
🚻Portaloo Toilets Available: From 04:30
⏰Start Time: 05:30 sharp
⛔Course Closes: 07:30 (2 hour limit to complete 10KM)
🌲Terrain: 100% trail - forest paths, natural ground and open sections
⏱ Format: No timing chips - use your watch or follow one of our 5 pacers
10KM PACERS - RUN YOUR DAY YOUR WAY
Choose a pacing group that suits you - or run off ahead if you’re looking to push beyond these times:
🟡 50 mins (Yellow with Ben)
Push the pace (finish approx. 06:20)
🟣 60 mins (Purple with Martin)
Strong, steady pace. (finish approx. 06:30)
🔵70 mins (Blue with Jack)
Comfortable, consistent (finish approx. 06:40)
🔴 90 mins (Red with April)
Relaxed, enjoy-the-run (finish approx. 07:00)
⚪️ 105 mins (White with Arrianna)
Final Support Pacer: no one left behind (finish approx. 07:15)
FOOTWEAR
FOOTWEAR IS VERY IMPORTANT! Trail runners are strongly recommended for grip and stability on uneven terrain.
Standard road runners may have reduced grip, increasing the risk of slipping or injury.
WEATHER FORECAST
With a few days to go, the forecast for Saturday is still subject to change, but it's looking positive.
Current predictions suggest dry conditions with early morning temperatures of 5-7 degrees and some cloud cover - so fingers crossed!
Keep an eye on Met Eireann for the latest updates and dress in layers to suit early morning conditions!
START TIME CHECKER
You can check if you or a friend are registered by clicking here and entering your first name or email. If your name appears on the list, you’re good to go - we’ll have your details ready at Registration!
GETTING REGISTERED & READY TO GO
All key areas - Car Park, Registration and Start / Finish Line - are within 200m of each other, making access quick and straightforward.
💡Top Tip: Arrive by 05:00 at the latest to avoid unnecessary stress!
Late arrivals may be refused entry without refund.
Registration
Collect your wristband at the Registration Tent before 05:15
Join the queue and go to the next available marshal
Simply give your name - if you’re on the Start Time Checker, you’re good to go
Your wristband must be fastened securely straight away. It displays your participant number and is required for health and safety.
FAST TRACK - TEAMS OF 2+
A Fast Track option is available for teams of 2 or more. Team Leaders have already been contacted to arrange this.
If you’re part of a team and haven’t organised Fast Track, email registrations@aliveoutside.ie ASAP and we’ll do our best to assist.
REPLACEMENTS / TRANSFERS
It’s now too late to arrange an official transfer, but you can still send a replacement participant if you’re unable to attend.
Your replacement simply needs to:
Collect your wristband at Registration
Sign in using their own name
Our marshals will be on hand to help with any questions on the day.
SECURE VALUABLE DROP
A Secure Valuables Drop is available after registration for small personal items such as keys, phones and wallets.
Please note:
All items must fit into a small freezer-sized zip bag
You’ll receive a numbered wristband when dropping items
This wristband is required for collection
No wristband = no valuables returned
We do not provide storage for larger items such as kit bags or spare clothing. These should left in your car. We strongly recommend placing all valuables in the Secure Valuables Drop before heading out on the course.
💡Top Tips:
Arrive early - this area can get busy close to the start
If running with a friend, consider sharing one bag for quicker dropoff and collection
NO CHANGING FACILITIES - PLAN AHEAD
There are no changing facilities onsite, so please arrive in your running gear.
Leave larger bags in your car
Use the valuables drop for small essentials only
After the run, we recommend returning to your car to change - helping you stay warm, dry and comfortable for the journey home.
NOT VERY SPECTATOR-FRIENDLY
For safety and insurance reasons, there is no access to the course for spectators. Supporters are welcome at the Finish Line although, with the early morning 05:30 start, they might prefer cheering you on from the comfort of their bed!
THE COURSE
Starting in front of Glendalough House, the 10KM route begins on the lower section of Glendalough Estate, where you’ll settle into your rhythm across forest tracks and flowing trails. From the outset, the course climbs steadily, with a consistent uphill pull that tests your pacing from the very first kilometre.
At 1.6KM (road crossing - slow down and follow marshal instructions), the course shifts gear. From here, you move into the upper section of the estate, where the terrain becomes more challenging and the climbs begin to bite. Expect steeper trails, tighter turns and more technical underfoot conditions as you work your way towards the Red Shed at the far edge of the estate and highest point.
From the Red Shed, the route turns and begins its descent, with a steep downhill section - watch your footing and stay in control. As you approach the second road crossing at 6.3KM, be sure to slow down and follow marshal instructions - cars have the right of way.
The final third of the course brings you back onto the lower estate, where you’ll move through a mix of forest trails and open fields before crossing the finish line in front of Glendalough House.
Choose a pacing group that suits you - or run off ahead if you’re looking to push beyond these times:
🟡 50 mins (Yellow with Ben)
Push the pace (finish approx. 06:20)
🟣 60 mins (Purple with Martin)
Strong, steady pace. (finish approx. 06:30)
🔵70 mins (Blue with Jack)
Comfortable, consistent (finish approx. 06:40)
🔴 90 mins (Red with April)
Relaxed, enjoy-the-run (finish approx. 07:00)
⚪️ 105 mins (White with Arrianna)
Final Support Pacer: no one left behind (finish approx. 07:15)
COURSE CLOSING TIME
The average completion time for this 10KM trail run is around 60-80 minutes, giving you plenty of time to finish within the cut-off.
⛔ Course closes at 07:30
For health and safety reasons, if you do not reach certain points by specified times, you will be redirected to the Finish Line via a shortcut to ensure you complete the course before the cut-off.
🏁 Site closes at 08:30.
Please ensure you collect all belongings before departing.
SUPPORT EACH OTHER ON THE TRAIL
While you’ll run at your own pace, this is all about the shared experience. Be mindful of other runners, especially on narrower sections where overtaking may be limited. A quick call or a bit of patience goes a long way.
Encourage those around you, give space when needed and enjoy the run together. There are no prizes on the line - just a great morning out on the trails. Our marshals will be there throughout the course offering support and guidance to keep everyone moving safely.
EXCLUSIVE FINISHER'S MEDAL
Cross the line and pick up your exclusive finisher’s medal - a well-earned reward to remember your run into the sunrise.
COFFEE VAN A coffee van will be on site on Saturday, selling fresh coffee and light snacks from 04:30 - perfect for a pre-run caffeine boost or a quick refuel before the journey home.
ANAM KARA WELLNESS IN GLENDALOUGH ESTATE
Recover and reset after your trail run with a guided 08:30 wellness session onsite at Anam Kara Wellness, founded by Sophie Anderton. Choose from gentle Yin Yoga, Aerial Yoga or immersive sound healing, all designed to ease muscle tension, restore energy and support recovery after your 10KM. The perfect way to finish your morning feeling relaxed and recharged.
👉 For more details and prices, book here: https://wunderbook.link/AnamKara
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
