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Event Briefing for Helloween Junior: 4KM (17/10/2026)
Hi there
The countdown is nearly over! We're getting ready to welcome you and your little monsters to Hell & Back Junior 4KM: Helloween this Saturday 17th October at Killruddery Estate, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
We've got a brilliant Halloween adventure lined up, with 4KM of forest trails, open fields, natural obstacles and plenty of surprises along the way. We've also added some brand-new Halloween-themed challenges especially for this year's event, so the kids are in for one HELL of a time!
And remember, every obstacle is optional. If your child isn't comfortable tackling any particular obstacle, they can simply walk around it and continue on their adventure. Please make sure they know this before setting off.
IMPORTANT: HELLOWEEN 2026 EVENT BRIEFING
Please take a few minutes to read this Helloween 2026 Event Briefing carefully before Saturday. It contains everything you need to know to help make your event day as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
The site opens at 09:10, and we strongly recommend arriving at the Registration Tent at least 60 minutes before your allocated start time. You'll need time to park, register, collect your child's wristband and make the uphill walk to the Start Line at Giltspur Basecamp.
Please note: Event administration is now closed, so we're unable to accommodate any further transfers or wave changes. For last-minute questions, please check our Frequently Asked Questions as the answer is likely to be there.
See you all this weekend!
The Alive Outside Team
TABLE OF CONTENTS
YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH & SAFETY
Your child's health and safety is our top priority. The Order of Malta will be onsite throughout the event, with trained First Aid personnel available at the Event Village in Giltspur Basecamp. If your child suffers any injury or feels unwell during the event, please alert a marshal or visit the First Aid Centre. Please ensure any injuries are assessed and treated before leaving the site.
Stay Hydrated: It's important that your child arrives well hydrated and has had plenty of water before starting the course, regardless of the weather. There will also be a water station at the Finish Line, so please encourage your child to drink after completing their 4KM adventure.
Hygiene & Infection Prevention: Killruddery Estate is a working farm, so here are some simple precautions everyone should take to reduce the risk of infection:
Cover any existing cuts or wounds with waterproof dressings before starting.
If your child suffers a new cut or injury during the event, please seek Order of Malta assistance.
Use the hand sanitiser provided before eating or drinking.
Wash your child, their clothes and footwear thoroughly when you get home.
For more information about the potential risks associated with events on working farms, click here.
After the Event: If your child develops any symptoms of illness following the event, particularly those associated with infectious diseases, contact your GP promptly and mention that your child recently participated in an outdoor event on a working farm.
💡TOP TIP: After 4KM of climbing, crawling and tackling obstacles, pack a bag for those dirty clothes and shoes to keep the car clean on the journey home!
START LINE & EVENT VILLAGE IN GILTSPUR
We’re delighted to be returning to Giltspur Basecamp in the heart of Killruddery Estate, where you'll find our Event Village (food, drink, first aid, shop, toilets and more), along with the Start and Finish Lines.
WARNING: THIS IS NOT A SPECTATOR-FRIENDLY EVENT!
Due to the location and layout of the course, there is a significant amount of walking involved for parents and spectators, including uphill sections and uneven farm paths.
As shown on the map below, the Start/Finish Area is a 5-10 minute uphill walk from the Registration Tent. Please factor this into your arrival plans and allow plenty of time to reach the Start Line.
Important Accessibility Information: The uphill route to Giltspur Basecamp and sections of the Spectator Route involve steep, uneven terrain and are not suitable for pushchairs, buggies, strollers or anyone with mobility difficulties.
If you're coming along to support your child, please dress appropriately, wear comfortable, sturdy footwear and be prepared for additional walking along the Spectator Route.
Please keep all of this in mind when planning your visit on Saturday.
GETTING TO KILLRUDDERY / CAR PARKING
With over 800 cars expected throughout the day, we're anticipating a busy Saturday around Killruddery. To help manage traffic and keep everything moving, we've put together a detailed Car Parking Plan. Weather permititng, our main car park will be the grass fields at Killruddery, with the IDA Business Park available as a backup if required:
Grass Fields, Killruddery Estate - MAIN CAR PARK
IDA Business Park, Southern Cross Road - BACKUP CAR PARK
Saturdays in Bray and the surrounding areas are always busy so please expect traffic delays on all approach roads to Killruddery, including the M50 and M11 southbound from Dublin.
IMPORTANT: FOLLOW THE ELECTRIC ROAD SIGNS!
Please follow the electronic signs on your approach to Killruddery, which will direct you to the designated car park in use at that time. Do not assume you'll be parking in the same location as previous events. Please be patient and follow 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 child's allocated start time. Allow sufficient time for parking, registration, wristband collection and the 5-10 minute uphill walk to the Start Line in the Event Village at Giltspur Basecamp.
💡TOP TIP: The Start Line & Event Village is located in Giltspur, a 5-10 min uphill walk from Registration so it may not suit those who find it difficult to walk long distances or steep inclines.
PRE-PAID PARKING
If you haven't yet pre-purchased your car parking ticket, you can do so by clicking here and paying €7 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.
💡TOP TIP: Arrive at least 60 minutes before your child's allocated start time!
Deadline for online prepayment is Fri 16th Oct @ 23:59 PM so sign up now!
SWIMMING IS NOT REQUIRED!
Please note that for Health & Safety reasons (the eerie October chill!), this Junior 4KM: Helloween event will not include any swimming obstacles. Instead, we promise an array of brilliantly hellish and spooky obstacles to challenge and thrill your young adventurer!
WEATHER FORECAST
With a few days to go, Saturday's forecast is looking reasonably good for October! We're expecting mostly cloudy skies with some sunny spells, temperatures of 9–12°C and little or no rain.
Of course, this is Ireland in autumn, so things can change! Keep an eye on Met Éireann for the latest forecast and make sure everyone coming along is dressed appropriately for the weather.
Remember, spectators will be walking through farm fields, along uneven trails and up some steep inclines, so we strongly recommend comfortable, sturdy footwear with good grip. Even with dry conditions, some sections of the route can be challenging underfoot.
💡 TOP TIP: Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket, just in case.
And leave the good runners at home!
START TIME CHECKER
Check your child's start time (or that of a friend) by clicking here and entering either the email address you registered with (recommended) or your surname...once your child is 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 child's wristband at the Registration Tent before making the 5-10 minute uphill walk to the Start Line and Event Village in Giltspur. To allow enough time for registration and the uphill walk, we recommend arriving onsite AT LEAST 60 MINUTES before your child's wave start time.
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.
💡TOP TIP: 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 child's wristband, with their unique Participant Number and Wave Colour, must be fastened securely to their wrist immediately. They will need it to enter the Start Area and to collect their exclusive Helloween Junior Neck Scarf at the Finish Line. No Wristband = No Run & No Finisher's Gift!
For safety, there is also space on the wristband for you to write your mobile number, in the unlikely event that your child gets lost on the course.
💡TOP TIP: Considering the uphill walk from registration to the Start Line, we strongly recommend arriving onsite at least 60 minutes before your child's wave start time.
E-CONSENT FORM
An adult must sign an electronic consent form for each child when they arrive onsite. Once signed, our registration staff will then give each child a numbered wristband, which will allow them take part. So, if you are not traveling to Killruddery, make sure you are aware of the Terms & Conditions of Participation (link below) and have an adult who will accept them on your behalf.
No child will be able to take part without an adult agreeing to the T&Cs on their behalf.
FAST TRACK FOR GROUPS OF 5+
We offer a Fast Track option for teams of 5 or more and we’ve already contacted the Team Leaders to arrange this. If your child is part of a group of 5 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 apply for a transfer, if your child cannot take part on Saturday, you can still get another child to replace them. Simply forward their parent your confirmation email/ticket and the parent can collect your child's Wristband at the Registration Tent but instead sign & print their own name. Our marshals will be able to help them out if they have any issues on the day.
WHAT TO WEAR
No need to splurge on new gear for your Junior Hellraisers - 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) - TRIPLE KNOT!
A warm change of clothes (hoodie / tracksuit bottoms) for after the event
CHANGING FACILITIES
We recommend that children arrive dressed and ready to go, with a full change of warm, dry clothes and shoes packed for afterwards.
Basic Changing Facilities are available in and around the Lazer Tag Village. Many parents and group leaders find that bringing a large towel or oversized T-shirt makes changing before or after the event much easier.
IMPORTANT: These facilities are unsupervised and for children only. Parents/Guardians may enter only where necessary to assist their own child and should respect the privacy of other children at all times.
After the event, please ensure your child showers as soon as possible when they get home, and that all clothing worn on the course is washed thoroughly to help minimise the risk of infection.
💡TOP TIP: Killruddery is a working farm so don't expect luxury!
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
We’ve packed a LOT into this 4KM spooky adventure! Your child will tackle over 22 obstacles and challenges as they make their way through the forests, fields and trails of Killruddery Estate, with plenty of Halloween surprises waiting along the way!
They'll encounter Hell & Back favourites including Hell on Earth and Tyre Zone, familiar to fans of Ireland's Fittest Family, alongside a whole host of other challenges designed to test their balance, grip and agility.
NEW FOR 2026: SCRAMBLE FIELDS!
One of this year's biggest additions is Scramble Fields, a brand-new zone featuring a number of challenges, including Window Wall, Climbing Wall, Traverse Wall and Spinners.
It's all about climbing, balancing, gripping and finding your way across a series of obstacles in a fun zone approx. halfway through the course!
💡TOP TIP: Scramble Fields will feature in the upcoming new series of Ireland's Fittest Family - so your child will get to tackle it before they see it on TV!
A HALLOWEEN FINALE! 🎃
The final stretch of the course takes the Halloween adventure up a notch, with a series of immersive experiences including the Forest Zone, The Witches' Lair and Valley of Pain Graveyard.
And just when they think they're nearly finished, there's one final challenge waiting - Spider's Nest! Make it through the spider's web and it's straight to the Finish Line, where they can proudly say they've conquered Hell & Back Junior 4KM: Helloween!
💡TOP TIPS:
Every obstacle is optional. If your child isn't comfortable attempting any obstacle, they can simply walk around it and continue on the course.
No jump scares! While there are plenty of Halloween-themed obstacles and spooky surprises, there are no deliberate jump-scare experiences designed to frighten children.
WORK TOGETHER
When you’re chatting to your child before Junior 4KM: Helloween, remind them that the course is about teamwork and fun, not speed. Encourage them to help others over the obstacles and enjoy the challenge rather than racing to be first.
There are no prizes for finishing quickly - the real reward is completing the course, making memories and having a great adventure.
Reassure them too that, whatever pace they run at, our marshals will be along the route with big smiles and lots of encouragement!
AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE 4KM COURSE
We expect most children to take betwen 30-60 minutes to complete the 4KM course, although this will vary depending on their pace and how long they spend at each obstacle.
Once they've started, you can grab a coffee or something to eat in Hell's Kitchen, but remember - some children could be back sooner than you think!
Please make sure you are at the Finish Line in plenty of time to meet your child when they complete the course, as detailed below.
ADULT AT FINISH LINE
When you arrive, please familiarise yourself with the Finish Line location, beside the DJ and large inflatable arch in the Event Village.
A parent/guardian must be waiting at the Finish Line to collect their child when they complete the course. Please allow plenty of time to return from the Spectator Route, as your child may finish sooner than expected.
IMPORTANT: For safeguarding reasons, children will not be permitted to leave the Finish Line Area until collected by their parent/guardian. Please make sure someone is there waiting for them.
CLOSING TIMES
Most children complete the 4KM course in approx. 30-60 minutes. To give everyone plenty of time to enjoy the course, it will remain open until 14:00. Children in the final wave - Yellow Wave 6 @ 12:30 - will have 1 hour 30 minutes to complete it..
For Health & Safety reasons, there will be time cut-off points at certain locations around the course. If your child hasn’t reached one of these points by the specified time, our marshals will redirect them via a shorter route towards the Finish Line. This is simply to make sure every child is safely back at the Finish Line before the course closes.
Any children remaining on the course as we approach the closing time will be guided back to the Finish Line by our marshals.
The Event Village and site will close at 14:30.
💡TOP TIP: Please bring all your belongings with you when you leave the site.
EXCLUSIVE HELLOWEEN NECK SCARF
Every child who crosses the Finish Line will receive their very own exclusive Helloween Neck Scarf - a special keepsake to celebrate conquering Hell & Back Junior 4KM: Helloween!
A well-earned reward for their Halloween adventure and something they can wear with pride long after the event!
SPECTATORS & SUPPORTERS
Hell & Back Junior 4KM: Helloween takes place across the fields, forests and trails of Killruddery Estate. As mentioned earlier, this is not a particularly spectator-friendly event, with significant walking involved along steep, uneven farm paths, so please plan accordingly.
For Health & Safety reasons, most of the 4KM course is not accessible to parents and spectators. However, we've created a designated Spectator Route, marked in PINK on the Spectator Route Map below, leading to a fantastic viewing area towards the end of the course!
VALLEY OF PAIN FAN ZONE - THE PLACE TO BE!
Once your child has set off from the Start Line, we encourage all parents and supporters to head straight to the Valley of Pain Fan Zone, where there's plenty of space to spread out and cheer on the action!
Simply follow the PINK Spectator Route signs to Obstacle 21 – Valley of Pain Graveyard, located approximately 3.5KM into the course.
Here you'll find a dedicated Fan Zone where you can cheer on your child as they tackle the spooky Graveyard, along with an elevated viewing platform offering a great view of the action.
Most children should reach this section approximately 30-40 minutes after starting, depending on their pace.
BACK TO THE FINISH LINE!
Once you've cheered your child through Valley of Pain, make your way back to the Event Village to watch them cross the Finish Line and celebrate their achievement!
The Start and Finish Line areas have limited space, so we'd really appreciate everyone helping us keep these areas clear throughout the event, particularly while other waves are starting and children are finishing.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SPECTATORS
Allow plenty of time: Most children complete the 4KM course in approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on their pace.
Plan your return: The Valley of Pain Fan Zone is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the Finish Line, so please head back promptly after seeing your child.
Stay on the designated route: For everyone's safety, please follow the PINK Spectator Route signs at all times. Other sections of the course are strictly off-limits to spectators.
Respect the working farm: Stay on designated paths and keep off the farmer's crops and surrounding fields.
Dress appropriately: The Start Area is currently very wet and mucky underfoot, so wellies are strongly recommended. The Spectator Route also includes steep, uneven farm paths, so comfortable, sturdy footwear with good grip is strongly recommended.
💡TOP TIP: Once your child starts, head straight to Valley of Pain for the best views and plenty of space - then make your way back to the Finish Line to cheer them home!
EVENT VILLAGE FACILITIES & SERVICES
After registration, you have a 5-10 minute uphill walk to Giltspur Basecamp, home to our Event Village. Here you'll find coffee, snacks and Helloween Junior merchandise, along with the Start and Finish Lines.
Once in Giltspur, you can relax and soak up the atmosphere until your child's starting group or "wave" (indentified by colour) is called into the Holding Pen at the Start Line, roughly 10 minutes before their allocated start time.
HELLOWEEN SHOP
Pick up our exclusive, limited-edition yellow Helloween T-Shirt before or after your child's run at the Hell & Back Shop in the Event Village for just €20. Vintage Hell & Back Junior T-Shirts are also available, as well as vintage neck scarfs and lots more.
💡TOP TIP: This limited-edition t-shirt is only available in sizes Age 10-11 and Age 12+, so arrive early before they sell out! Other vintage styles are available in different sizes.
HELL'S KITCHEN FOOD VILLAGE - FUEL UP & FEAST!
After all the spooky adventure, refuel at our fantastic Food Village!
We have a fantastic line-up of food vendors serving up hearty, mouth-watering grub throughout the day - perfect for parents and supporters while the kids are out on the course or for a well-earned treat when they cross the Finish Line!
If you’re craving something hot, sweet, savoury or downright indulgent, there’s something for every HellRaiser - and their hungry supporters!
🥞 Mandy & Team (Crepe Box, Gyro Box)
🍔 Mark & Team (Burgers & Loaded Fries, Ice Cream, Coffee & Donuts)
🍕 Rob & Team (Bob’s Pizza)
NEW - FIND YOUR CHILD’S PHOTOS FASTER 📸
This summer, we introduced an optional selfie photo-search to help you quickly find photos of your child captured by our Official Photographers around the course.
Simply follow the link we’ll send you after the event, upload a selfie of your child and the system will search through the thousands of event photos for images that may feature them.
IMPORTANT: The selfie search is completely optional
and requires your consent as their parent or legal guardian.
Found some crackers? Choose the photos you want and have them emailed directly to you completely FREE! 📸🔥
And when you share them, don’t forget to tag us @hellandbackjunior - we want to see them!
INSURANCE COVER
All participants have paid for Personal Accident Cover, which may include benefits in the event of your child 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 for outdoor adventure! Click here for Wicklow Tourism.
HELLOWEEN JUNIOR 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.
