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HELL & BACK Junior: Forest Frenzy Event Briefing (17/05/2025)
- aidanwalsh60
- May 13
- 9 min read
Updated: May 14
We're really looking forward to welcoming you and your child(ren) to HELL & BACK Junior: Forest Frenzy 5KM this Saturday in Killruddery, Bray, Co Wicklow.
As well as running through Killruddery's stunning natural obstacles, including forests, meadows and streams, we've also built a number of cool obstacles, especially for the kids - so they are guaranteed to have one HELL of a Time! And don't worry, if your child is not comfortable with ANY OBSTACLE, they can simply walk around it...please let them know this!
Please read all the information in this HELL & BACK: Forest Frenzy Event Briefing before Saturday and give yourselves plenty of time to get parked, sign in & collect your child's wristband - we recommend at least 60 minutes before your allocated Start Time.
As event administration is now closed, we are unable to accommodate transfers or wave changes. If you have any last-minute queries, please check our Frequently Asked Questions as the answer is likely to be there.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING TO KILLRUDDERY
The event takes place in Killruddery Estate, Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co Wicklow - click here for a Google Maps link.
Saturdays in Bray and the surrounding areas is a very busy day - so expect delays on all approach roads to Killruddery, including the M50 and M11 southbound from Dublin. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive safely, park, register and collect your child's wristband at the Registration Tent - at least 60 minutes before your allocated start time.
SWIMMING IS NOT REQUIRED!
Please note that for Health & Safety reasons, this HELL & BACK Junior: Forest Frenzy 5KM event will not include any swimming obstacles. Instead, your young adventurer will tackle a thrilling mix of forest trails and action-packed obstacles designed to energise, excite and challenge them every step of the way!
WEATHER
The forecast for Saturday is dry and sunny between 13 and 15 degress - nonetheless, this is Ireland so we recommend that you expect the worst and be prepared for rain, just in case! Keep an eye on Met Eireann for weather updates and remember that Killruddery is a working farm so both you and your child(ren) should dress appropriately, as if it rains you could be walking around mucky farming fields!
CAR PARKING
With up to 1,500 cars arriving throughout the day, it's essential to plan your journey in advance.
All car parking on Saturday will be on the grass fields in Killruddery - click here for a Google Maps link. Please follow the directions on the large digital signs along the Southern Cross Road and obey the instructions of our car park attendants, who will guide you to an available spot. Our car park team is on hand to get you parked quickly and safely so you can get straight into the action!
We also have a fourth back-up car park located offsite in the IDA on Southern Cross Road, which will only be used in exceptional circumstances. Just keep an eye on the large display signs for your designated car park.
PRE-PAY PARKING = €7 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 €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.
Arrive and park at least 60 minutes before your allocated start time to give yourselves plenty of time to get parked, sign in & collect your child's wristband.
NB: ARRIVE AT LEAST 60 MINS BEFORE YOUR ALLOCATED START TIME!
REGISTRATION
You must collect and sign for your child's Wristband in the Registration Tent at the Site Entrance at least 30 minute before they can start. Anyone who arrives after their allocated Collection Time may be removed from the event without refund. Click for Start Time Checker.
We use a digital registration process so everyone registers together in the same place - simply queue and go the the next available marshal.
To help 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!
Your child's Wristband will have their unique Participant Number and Wave Colour printed on it. Make sure you IMMEDIATELY fasten it securely to their wrist as they must show the wristband to take part. No Wristband = No Taking Part!
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.
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!
CONSENT FORM
IMPORTANT: One 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.
REPLACEMENTS / TRANSFERS
While it is too late to apply for a transfer, if your child cannot take part this 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.
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 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!
FAST TRACK FOR GROUPS OF 10+
There is a Fast Track option for Groups with 10 or more children and we have already reached out to the Group Leaders. If you have a group of 10 or more and havent already been in touch with us about Fast Track, email cormac.niland@aliveoutside.ie ASAP and we will try to accommodate you.
WHAT TO WEAR
No need to splurge on new gear for your little creatures - 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
NO CHANGING FACILITIES!
As you can see from the map above, you will be parked within 1KM of the Event Village. For safeguarding reasons, there are no formal changing rooms onsite. However, children are welcome to get changed in and around the Event Village. Many groups bring towels or oversized t-shirts to make post-run changes quick and easy.
YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH & SAFETY
Your child's health and safety is an absolute priority for us - and the Order of Malta will be onsite for the day to treat any cuts or bruises that may occur. Please make sure you get any injury treated by the trained Order of Malta First Aid staff at the Finish Line before you leave the site.
There will also be a water station at the Finish Line so make sure your child rehydrates.
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 Order of Malta ASAP;
use the Sanitation Station at the Finish Line and around the Event Village;
get everyone to wash their hands thoroughly before eating/drinking; and
wash your child – and their clothes - thoroughly when you get home.
For more information about the potential risks from events located in farms, click here. And, after the event, if your child experiences any of the symptoms detailed for infectious diseases, contact your doctor immediately.
AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE 5KM COURSE
There are 9 x Start Times on Saturday from 09:30 to 13:50. It should take an average child between 30 and 60 minutes to complete the 5KM course, so please be at the Finish Line to meet your child, as detailed below.
ADULT AT FINISH LINE
When onsite, please familiarise yourself with the Finish Line, which is after the iconic Half Pipe obstacle from Ireland's Fittest Family TV show! You must return to the Finish Line to collect your child when they complete the course.
For security reasons, children are not allowed out of the Finish Line Area without an adult present - so please do not leave your child waiting!
5KM ROUTE / NO SECOND LAP
Our top priority is making sure that all young adventurers have a safe, fun and action-packed experience. For health and safety reasons, children will not be able to complete a second lap of the course. But don't worry - we have extended the route to a full 5KM and packed it with forest-themed challenges, surprises and exciting trail features. Your little Hellraisers will be kept on their toes from start to finish with an unforgettable mix of obstacles and woodland adventure!
EXCLUSIVE FOREST FRENZY NECK SCARF
At the Finish Line, all children will receive an exclusive Forest Frenzy Neck Scarf – a bold, adventure-ready keepsake they can wear with pride and remember their epic day in the wild!
SPECTATOR ROUTE MAP
As a spectator, you’ll be able to access most of the course. For health and safety reasons, certain areas are off-limits to parents and spectators - but don’t worry, it’s the perfect time to grab a coffee and be ready to cheer them on when they return!
Don't forget that Killruddery is a working farm so please stay off the crop and stick to the designated spectator routes at all times.
EVENT VILLAGE
Once through registration, you are in the Event Village, where you can grab a coffee, snack or buy HELL & BACK Junior merchandise. The Start Line is only a short walk away so you can wait there until your child's starting group or "wave" (sorted by colour) is invited into the Holding Pen at the Start Line, approx. 5 minutes before their allocated start time.
HELL & BACK JUNIOR SHOP
Pick up our exclusive, limited-edition green Forest Frenzy T-Shirt before or after your child's run at the HELL & BACK Shop in the Event Village for just €15. Vintage H&B Junior T-Shirts are also available, as well as vintage neck scarfs and lots more.
Please note that the H&B Junior Shop is cash-free so credit card only.
HELL'S KITCHEN FOOD VILLAGE
Located in Hell's Kitchen this Saturday will be the following food vendors - stop off and enjoy some delicious grub while you wait for the little ones to finish the course!
Loaded Fries & Burger
Toasties & Coffee
Ice Cream Van
Coffee & Donut
Bobs Pizza
Bobs Dipped
Dan's Traditional Ice Cream
The Crepe Box
Gyro Yogurt
CLOSING TIMES
The course will shut at 14:00 on Saturday so children in the last wave (Wave 10 @ 12:50) have 70 minutes to complete the course.
Please note that, if your child hasn't made it to certain points by this time, they will be redirected towards the Finish Line via a shortcut. For Health & Safety reasons, any child not finished by 14:00 will be directed to the Finish Line by a marshal.
The site will then close at 14:30 so please make sure you bring all belongings with you when you leave.
WICKLOW TOURISM
If you're interested in staying overnight before or after HELL & BACK Junior: Forest Frenzy 5KM, or if you'd like to explore Wicklow, visit the Wicklow Tourism website for more information about the county that's renowned for its outdoor adventures! Click here to visit Wicklow Tourism.
HELL & BACK JUNIOR FAQS
As event administration is now closed, we are unable to accommodate transfers or wave changes. If you have any last-minute queries, please check our Frequently Asked Questions as the answer is likely to be there.
See you all on Saturday!
The Alive Outside Team
