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HELL & BACK Junior: Splash Attack Event Briefing (Sat 6th & Sun 7th Sept 2025)
- aidanwalsh60
- Sep 3
- 11 min read
Hi there
We're really looking forward to welcoming you and your child(ren) to HELL & BACK Junior: Splash Attack 4KM this Saturday and Sunday in Killruddery, Bray, Co Wicklow.
As well as running through Killruddery's stunning natural obstacles, including lakes, 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 Junior: Splash Attack Event Briefing before the weekend 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.
See you all this weekend!
The Alive Outside Team
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING TO KILLRUDDERY / CAR PARKING
With 3,000+ cars arriving over the weekend, 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, depending on weather conditions:
IDA Business Park on Southern Cross Road; and
Grass Fields in Killruddery
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 60 minutes before your child's allocated start time to allow time for parking, registration and wristband collection, as well as familiarising yourself with all the facilities and services in the Event Village.
💡Top Tip: The main IDA Car Park is located a good walk from the Start/Finish Line, so it may not suit those who find it difficult to walk long distances or who are bringing a buggy.
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 60 MINS BEFORE YOUR ALLOCATED START TIME!
Deadline for online prepayment is Fri 5th Sept @ 23:59 PM so sign up now!
SWIMMING & WATER OBSTACLES AT LAKE
One of the most popular obstacles on this HELL & BACK Junior course is Splash Zone on the Lake in the centre of Killruddery, which consists of Pontoon Mania, Water Jump and Splashdown Slide.
From a water safety perspective, all children are fitted with a buoyancy aid when they get in the vicinity of the Lake, while our team of lifeguards patrol both from in the water on kayaks and from the bank.
If your child is not a confident swimmer or dislikes water, they should not attempt this zone. Please discuss this with your child before Saturday, reassuring them that they do not need to participate in this part. They should simply inform a lifeguard at the Lake, who will guide them around it.
WEATHER FORECAST
The outlook for the weekend is a bit of a mixed bag:
Saturday: Expect a mix of sunshine, cloud and showers with temperatures between 12-16°C.
Sunday: Set to be much wetter, with temperatures of 16-17°C.
Don't forget to keep an eye on Met Eireann for the latest updates. Killruddery is a working farm, dress appropriately - if it rains, you could be walking through mucky farm fields!
💡Top Tip: The main IDA Car Park is located a good walk from the Start/Finish Line so, if it's wet, it'll not be suitable for those who find it difficult to walk long distances or who are bringing a buggy.
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 (located at the site entrance) at least 30 minutes before their 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 H&B Junior: Splash Attack 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: Parking may be a 10-15 minute walk from registration, so we strongly recommend arriving at least 60 minutes before your child's start time to allow plenty of time to check in and get ready.
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 8+
We offer a Fast Track option for teams of 8 or more and we’ve already contacted the Team Leaders to arrange this. If your child is part of a group of 8 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 this weekend, 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.
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 sanitiser provided 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.
💡Top Tip: Mud is great on the course but not in the car so pack a plastic bag for those dirty clothes and shoes!
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
NO CHANGING FACILITIES
For safeguarding reasons, there are no formal changing rooms onsite at HELL & BACK Junior.
Children are welcome to change in and around the Event Village, and many parents and group leaders find that towels or oversized t-shirts make quick pre- or post-run changes much easier.
We recommend arriving dressed and ready to go and bringing a spare set of clothes and shoes for the car ride home. After the event, your child should shower and their clothes should be washed thoroughly to minimise the risk of infection.
WORK TOGETHER
When you’re chatting to your child before HELL & BACK Junior, 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
It should take an average child between 30 and 60 minutes to complete the 4KM 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!
NO SECOND LAP
Our top priority is ensuring every young adventurer has a safe, fun and action-packed day. For health and safety reasons, children will not be able to complete a second lap of the course.
But don’t worry – the 4KM route is bursting with challenges, surprises and exciting trail features! With Pontoon Mania, the Splashdown Slide and the Water Jump in Splash Zone, your little Hellraisers will be kept on their toes from start to finish with an unforgettable mix of obstacles and water-filled adventure!
CLOSING TIMES
Most children complete the course in 30-60 minutes. To give everyone plenty of time, the course will close at the following times:
Saturday: Course closes at 17:45. Children in the last wave (Orange Wave 16 @ 16:20) will have 1 hour 25 minutes to finish.
Sunday: Course closes at 14:10. Children in the last wave (Green Wave 7 @ 12:40) will have 1 hour 30 minutes to finish.
Please note that, if your child hasn't reached certain points on the course by specified times, they'll be redirected towards the Finish Line via a shortcut. For Health & Safety reasons, any child still on the course after the closing times will be guided to the Finish Line by a marshal.
The site itself will then close at:
Saturday: 18:15
Sunday: 14:40
💡Top Tip: Please bring all your belongings with you when you leave the site.
EXCLUSIVE SPLASH ATTACK NECK SCARF
At the Finish Line, every child will receive their very own Splash Attack Neck Scarf - a bold, adventure-ready keepsake to wear with pride and remember their epic day of mud, water and fun!
SPECTATOR ROUTE MAP
Please be aware that the main IDA Car Park, as detailed in the Car Parking Plan, is a considerable 10-15 minute walk from the Event Village and Start / Finish Line:
This pedestrian route runs along the edge of a field and may not be suitable for buggies or anyone uncomfortable with long distances, especially if it’s wet underfoot. Please factor this in when planning your day.
Killruddery is a working farm so dress for all weather - wellies and waterproofs are strongly recommended (especially on Sunday if the wet forecast holds up).
Once your child starts, you’ll be able to access much of the final 1.5KM of the course, including Splash Zone at the Lake. Just follow the Spectator Route signs (marked in light blue on the Spectator Route map).
Please note:
Some areas are off-limits for safety reasons, so stick to the marked spectator routes at all times and stay off the farmer's crop!
The Lake is approx. a 10-minute walk from the Event Village - so if you head there, allow time to get back to the Finish Line in time to cheer your child home!
Feel free to run alongside your child when you spot them on the spectator route - if you’ve got the energy to keep up with them!
💡Top Tip: The spectator walk can be long and muddy - not ideal for buggies or those who struggle walking long distances.
EVENT VILLAGE FACILITIES & SERVICES
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 black Splash Attack 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.
💡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
After all the mud and adventure, refuel at our fantastic Food Village! We’ve got a brilliant mix of vendors serving hearty, tasty treats to help you and your child recharge and celebrate. From hot bites to sweet snacks, savoury favourites to indulgent goodies – there’s something for everyone:
Burger & Chips
Toasties & Coffee
Ice Cream Van
Coffee & Donut
Fish & Chips
Bob's Pizza
Dipped
Traditional Ice Cream
Hot Dogs
The Crepe Box
The Gyro Box
TacoMan
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.
HELL & BACK 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.
