The Growing Popularity of Endurance Challenges Explored as This Weekend’s Hell & Back Sells Out Yet Again! Saturday 30th September.

2023 is the first complete year since 2019 that a full calendar of endurance races and challenges have taken place in Ireland, and their popularity seems to be increasing greatly post-Covid.

Following a year of sell out HELL & BACK events including this Saturday 30^th September, and with thousands of participants signing up, the organisers of HELL & BACK in Bray have their own ideas as to this success.

Here are 13 reasons why endurance challenges such as Hell & Back may have gained such popularity in recent times…

Personal Achievement: Participants have a desire to push their limits and achieve something they never thought possible. Endurance challenges can be a great way to prove to yourself that you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Improve Fitness: Participants don’t need to be in top shape to take part in a challenge, however, they are a great way to improve fitness and overall physical health.
Competition: Some may want to test their skills and abilities against others, striving to come out on top and earn recognition for their achievements.
Adventure and Exploration: Endurance challenges can take participants to remote and beautiful locations, offering a chance to see new places and experience unique environments.
Mental Toughness: Some people are motivated to enter these events to strengthen their mental resilience and learn to overcome adversity.
Fundraising and Charity: Many take on challenges and races such as Hell & Back in order to fundraise for and support a charitable organization or raise awareness for a particular issue.
Social Connection: Endurance challenges can provide a sense of camaraderie and community, meeting like-minded individuals & making new friends especially these days with an increase in home office isolation.
Personal Growth: Participants may seek to learn more about themselves and their capabilities through these challenges, leading to personal growth and self-discovery.
Bucket List Goals: Some see these events as a way to fulfil a bucket-list goal and check off a significant achievement.
Stress Relief and Escape: Engaging in endurance races can provide a break from routine and a chance to focus on something entirely different, serving as a form of stress relief.
Overcoming Adversity: For many individuals who have dealt with significant challenges or adversity in their lives, participating in endurance events can symbolize their ability to overcome obstacles and move forward.
Passion for the Activity: Some people have a deep passion for the specific activity or sport such as running, swimming, hiking etc. This love for the activity itself serves as a strong motivator.
Just for the craic! Sure it’s all just a bit of fun in the mud after all!

Hell & Back is organised by Irish outdoor adventure company, Alive Outside, in the beautiful, natural surroundings of Killruddery and is the country’s largest and most popular obstacle course run. The course is also home to RTE’S hugely popular show, Ireland’s Fittest Family.

So, if you think you are up for Ireland’s toughest endurance challenge, HELL & BACK, the message from organisers is clear - register early for Hell & Back Winter on Saturday 24^th February 2024.

For more information on the course, events and to register please visit www.hellandback/winter

Press Note:

Press/photographers are welcome to attend HELL & BACK this Saturday 30^th of September - Email: rosie@aeconsult.ie

Aidan Walsh, Alive Outside/Hell & Back Director of Operations is happy to give interviews.

E: aidan.walsh@aliveoutside.ie

Web: AliveOutside.ie

Issued by AE Consulting on behalf of Alive Outside/HELL & BACK

Please contact us for images, more info etc.

E: aileen.eglington@aeconsult.ie

T: 00 353 1 2948080

M: 00 353 87 2505007

Rosie O’Toole

E: rosie@aeconsult.ie

T: 00 353 1 2948080