Obstacle Course Rating - Hell and Back June 2014

Hell & Back Apollo

Bray, Co. Wicklow 15/06/2014

This event, run by Alive Outside was the biggest we've taken on, both in terms of distance and number of people taking part, and was run over two days.  We ended up going on the Sunday because it suited a lot of us better.  We had a smaller group on this one, only twelve in the end - we originally had more, but some had to drop out due to work commitments, injuries (or just cold feet, hard to tell).

Ratings

Price 3.5/5

This is a big event, heavily publicised, and it is very close to Dublin.  Taking that into account the €42 we paid - once again an early bird group rate (but not the earliest), and thus a good bit cheaper than the full price - wasn't too bad.  However, then you add the €10 per car for the car park and shuttle bus.  It's not too unreasonable, but not super friendly on the pocket either.

Timing 5/5

Bang smack in the middle of summer.  Now, you're not guaranteed fine weather in Ireland at any time of the year, but we had an amazing day of sunshine, comfortably warm, gentle cool breeze.  It was perfect.  Probably the best time of year for one of these events.  Having two days of it makes it handy in that you are less tied down with your dates, and the Saturday books up fast anyway.

Distance 4/5

Difficult to rate this.  I loved the event, and was happy that there was so much of it, but I know some people who were planning for this to be their debut in obstacle courses, but were intimidated by the distance.  Really though, it didn't feel like it was as long as it was, it was well broken up by the various obstacles. 

Course 4.5/5 

Great use of natural terrain and man made obstacles.  Stunning views overlooking county Wicklow from a trail that lead us up and around the face of a mountain.  Plenty of obstacles, especially climbing over things, which are always highlights for me. Sniper Alley was brilliant, but unfortunately by the time we got there several of the snipers had left, so there were only two shooting at us.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm glad I didn't get hit, but still, would have liked to have been dodging more.  A strange complaint maybe.  The electrical obstacles were fairly powerful (at every event they tell us not to do these if we have pins, and I have 22 in my leg...but I go for it anyway - so never sure if I get hit worse than everyone else).  The stewards at "Shock of Horrors" were dedicated to their work, as one made sure to pat down the earth under the wires so that they weren't earthed, ensuring that we'd receive the full impact of the shock.  The other, a demon lady who stood at the sidelines and cheerfully informed those carefully picking their way through the dangling lines, "If you don't move fast enough, I'm going to shake the shit out of it!" while at the same time doing just that, making the electric wires dance and her unfortunate victims writhe, scream and sprint the hell out of there.  Hilarious to watch. Bloody awful when it's you under there though.

Dirt Levels 5/5

Yes, there is mud and muck in various shades and consistencies, and plenty of it.  Some visuals here will help.

Waiting Time 3/5

Actually the main waiting we did was for the shuttle bus from the car park to the event, but it was for at least forty-five minutes, and as a result we missed our wave and started a good bit later.  Which wasn't a very big deal, we weren't overly concerned, except for the fact that they seemed to be closing up shop in some areas by the time we reached them, as we took our time and helping each other through it, and towards the last few bits I was worried we were going to be shepherded off the course without being allowed to finish.

Safety 4/5

Plenty of stewards and not many areas where you could get into serious trouble, although there was one stretch of fairly deep water that maybe could have done with a steward on hand to make sure nobody went under if they were on their own.  Naturally there are parts where you could do yourself an injury, but that's what a waiver form is for.

Showers 4/5

A full shower block.  Communal showers, but a steady enough stream of water, enough to get rid of the most obvious filth.  The water was cold, but the weather was warm so it hardly mattered.

Food 2.5/5

Not much left by the time we got there.  Got a free carton of coconut water.

Fun 4.5/5
A really good day out, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.  The weather helped of course, but there is also a very good atmosphere, and more or less every other participant has encouragement to offer, a hand to lend or a bewildered shake of the head to exchange as you both look at the next obstacle.  The anxiety caused by coming around a corner to find stewards getting ready to pack up and go home was the only sticking point really.

Overall 4/5

What Makes it Unique?
The scenic views.  Never been to Bray before, and would like to go back and spend a bit of time there again at some stage now that I've seen it.  The fact that they found an agent of Satan himself to stand by the electrical obstacle (big congratulations to that girl, she was brilliant).  The snipers in full camo hiding in the woods at "Sniper Alley".  Damn near impossible to see.  Couldn't hit me though, I'm too fast.  Good quality t-shirt - poor choice of colour - turquoise?  Yuk!

Recommendations
Think you'd be able for a 10K, but not sure about the extra 2?  Don't worry, give yourself plenty of time and you'll make it through.  Do it with some friends, the more the merrier, avail of the group discounts, book early and car pool!

Next up, Adare to Survive!