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Event Briefing for HELL & BACK Dawn (17/05/2025)
- aidanwalsh60
- May 14
- 9 min read
Welcome to HELL & BACK Dawn!
We're delighted to welcome you this Saturday to our Adventure Centre in Killruddery, where 350 brave souls will take on the unique HELL & BACK Dawn challenge!
This is no ordinary event - it's a social, inclusive, instructor-led adventure that kicks off in the dark at 05:00 (you must be onsite by 04:30!). As the sun rises over Dublin Bay, you'll be treated to spectacular views from the top of the Little Sugar Loaf - a truly unforgettable way to start the day!
HOW IT WORKS
You will be grouped by speed and fitness level into teams of around 30 people. Each group will then head out onto the HELL & BACK course with one of our experienced instructors and, after a brisk warm-up, your hellish adventure begins!
Remember that this isn't like a regular HELL & BACK run where you go at your own pace. Instead, it is a fun, paced 7KM run, led by an instructor. You'll work together with others of a similar level to make it through the course - so if you are looking for a tough, competitive race, this event is not for you!
That said, the groups will be pretty fluid - if you feel like picking up the pace, you can move up a group, or drop back if you'd prefer a steadier run. Along the way, our friendly instructors will be there with smiles and encouragement, and there’ll be plenty of stopping points for everyone to regroup and rehydrate.
WHAT TO EXPECT
As well as taking in the stunning natural sights and sounds of Killruddery, including hills, forests and swamps, you'll face some of our most infamous obstacles, including:
Hell on Earth
Tyre Zone
Heartbreak Ridge
Valley of Pain
Satan's Pit
...of course, finishing on the iconic Half Pipe, as seen on Ireland's Fittest Family TV Show!
THE FINISH LINE
Crossing that finish line will feel amazing - not just because of the exclusive HELL & BACK Finishers Medal waiting for you in Basecamp but for the sheer buzz of completing this dawn challenge! You'll also receive a protein sachet and nutrition bar, courtesy of Optimum Nutrition, to help you refuel.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Please take the time to read the full H&B Dawn Event Briefing 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 04:15 so please make sure you arrive by 04:30 at the latest.
And, finally - even though it's an early start, try to get a few hours sleep and eat something before you arrive. It's going to be challenging but seriously rewarding!
See you all bright and breezy on Saturday!
The Alive Outside Team
TABLE OF CONTENTS
YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY
This is HELL & BACK - so brace yourself for a tough challenge. Even though this is a social event, at a minimum, you will need to complete a 7KM lap of the course with obstacles in 2 hours. Your health and safety is our top priority, so if you have any doubts about your fitness, especially on a potentially warm and sunny morning, this might not be the event for you.
Our trained First Aid staff will be following the group around the course in a number of rescue vehicles and are available to treat any cuts or bruises that may occur. Please make sure you get any injury treated by the First Aid staff before you leave the site.
To keep you hydrated, there will be a water station on the course at approx. 3KM, as well as back in Basecamp after you finish. No matter the weather, make sure you’re well-hydrated before you set off and continue to top up as you tackle the course.
For sustainability, please dispose of your plastic water bottle 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 ASAP;
use the sanitation station at the Finish Line;
wash your hands thoroughly before eating/drinking; and
wash yourself – and your clothes - thoroughly 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.
NOT SUITABLE FOR SPECTATORS
Unfortunately, for insurance reasons, there is no access for Spectators on Saturday. Considering the early morning start, your supporters will thank you in the long run!
GETTING TO KILLRUDDERY / CAR PARKING
You can park for free at the entrance to the Alive Outside Adventure Centre - click here for Google Map directions. 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.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive safely, park, register and drop your car keys/mobile into the Secure Valuable Drop - at least 30 minutes before the 05:00 group start time.
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ARRIVE AND CHECK IN BEFORE 04:30!
WHAT TO WEAR
Click here to read our suggestions on what to wear...and, just as importantly, what NOT to wear!
As mentioned above, 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 footwar doesn't get stuck in the mud!
WEATHER & FOOTWEAR
Keep an eye on Met Eireann for the latest updates and dress accordingly - with the early start, you should layer up and be ready for whatever the Wicklow weather throws at you!
Although the forecast for Saturday is dry, we recommend that you choose what you wear on your feet carefully as 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.
START TIME CHECKER
Check your registration details (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
You will be parked just a few metres from Registration and Basecamp so please change in your car, leave your kit bag there and enter the Alive Outside Adventure Centre togged out and ready to go. Give yourself plenty of time - arrive onsite at least 30 minutes before the 05:00 start time to avoid any last minute stress. Late arrivals may be removed from the event without a refund.
Our registration process is fully digital, so everyone must pass through the Registration Area to collect their wristband before starting. Simply queue and go to the next available marshal. To speed things up, bring the ticket you received when you first signed up or the unique QR code generated when you enter your email address in the Start Time Checker.
IMPORTANT: Remember to enter the email address originally used to sign up -
this might be your work email or even your partner's!
If you don't have your ticket or QR code, don’t panic! As long as your booking appears on the Start Time Checker, we should still be able to find your registration.
Once registered, securely fasten your Wristband to your wrist immediately. It contains your unique Participant Number, which you’ll need to collect your exclusive HELL & BACK Finisher's Medal when you've completed the course. No Wristband = No Medal!
In the Event Village, there is also a Secure Valuables Drop for your car keys, mobile phone, wallet etc. Make sure to allow enough time to drop them off before the event and pick them up afterwards.
Get registered, get prepped and get ready for the challenge ahead!
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 TEAMS OF 4 OR MORE
We offer a Fast Track option for teams of 4 or more 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 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 Area but then sign & print their own name. Our marshals will be able to help you out if you have any issues on the day.
LIMITED CHANGING FACILITIES
We strongly recommend that you either arrive ready to go or change into your running gear at your car - and then store your kit bag there as, at this time of year, there are limited changing facilites onsite in Killruddery.
A Secure Valuable Drop is available for small items, such as car keys, wallets, phones etc - but we don't have space for large kit bags, so it's best to leave them in the car.
We also suggest that, post run, you change into your clean, dry, warm clothes back at the car.
SECURE VALUABLE DROP
Once through registration, there will be a Secure Valuable Drop to leave your car keys / mobile - please store the rest of your gear in your car etc. And, if you are participating with a friend, share one valuable bag between the two of you for speed and efficiency.
WORK TOGETHER
This is a social, instructor-led event where you take on the course as a group - so teamwork is everything! It's all about helping each other over the obstacles and enjoying the challenge together. There are no prizes for coming first so remember that it's not a race, it's a challenge!
No matter your pace, you'll be met with a big smile and loads of encouragement from our awesome team of instructors.
SWIMMING NOT REQUIRED!
Please note that for Health & Safety reasons (the water is too cold!), this HELL & BACK Dawn event does not contain any water or swimming obstacles - but rest assured that we will have lots of other brilliantly hellish obstacles on the course for you instead!
COURSE CLOSING TIMES
We expect the average person to take 1.5 hours to complete the 7KM course so your instructor will aim to have your group back in Basecamp by 06:30. For slower groups, the cut off time is 07:00 so everyone will have 2 hours to complete the course.
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 at 07:00 will be assisted to the Finish Line by buggy.
The site will then close at 07:30 so please make sure you bring all belongings with you when you leave. You are free then to head home, hopefully having experienced a unique and invigorating morning run!
EXCLUSIVE H&B FINISHER'S MEDAL
After you finish and return to Basecamp, don't forget to pick up your exclusive HELL & BACK Finisher's Medal. It’s the perfect keepsake to remember your epic day – and proof you survived this early morning challenge!
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 Dawn challenge. You’ll have the chance to sample some of their products at Basecamp 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.
NO SHOWERS ONSITE
There are no showering facilities in Killruddery for this event so, as mentioned above, we recommend you bring a change of clothes, change back at your car and then wash yourself - and your clothes - thoroughly when you get home.
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.
HELL & BACK 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.
