Tickets are still available to take on Europe’s tallest inflatable slide and the world’s biggest bouncy inflatable at Gung-Ho! Seriously Fun 5k on Saturday (2nd July).
The fun-filled inflatable obstacle course will take place at Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth, with runners young and old set to slip and slide across 11 tricky obstacles.
Aside from the 200ft-long, 70ft high ‘Thriller slide’ and 500 square-foot ‘Walking on the Moon’, runners will take on obstacles including a giant ball pit, climbing wall and foam-filled labyrinth.
More than 2,000 people have signed up so far for Gung-Ho!’s return to Newcastle, but the brains behind the event – CBeebies presenter Alex Winters – is hoping that number will increase.
Welshman Alex said: “I really believe in Gung-Ho! and think it’s a brilliant event that’s really fun to do, but you can never be sure that people are going to agree with you and will want to do it.
“The Geordies completely wiped those worries from my mind when we came to Newcastle last year. As soon as the event finished I knew we had to come back again.
“Everyone was so up for it and the spirit on the day was incomparable – the Geordies really took to Gung-Ho! and helped create a day I’ll never forget.
“I am so excited about coming back to the north-east and I have no doubt this event will be even bigger and better than 2015’s.
“Sales have been great but there are still places available. I know the spirit and drive people in the north-east have and hope to see as many of them as possible getting wet and muddy this weekend.
“It should be a fantastic day, unlike anything they have ever experienced. It’s like being a kid again, having loads of fun scampering over massive inflatables!
“I can’t wait to bring the fun back to the north-east!”
Children in Need is Gung-Ho!’s official national charity partner, while Gosforth-based charity Smile For Life is their local partner, and will raise funds through sponsorships, donations and providing paid stewards for the event.
Chief Executive of Smile for Life, Paula Gascoigne, said: “We are delighted to be involved with Gung-Ho! as the partner charity for Newcastle, it will be a fantastic event.
“The great thing about Gung-Ho! is that it’s accessible for all, it’s not a competitive race and so it’s something that we can all be a part of.
“We hope that people continue to show their support, going Gung-Ho! for all of those young people in the region who really need it.”
Alex added: “Smile For Life is so small, local and unassuming as a charity – but wow what a great effect they have on the wider community. It is a fantastic charity that provides services that I have not seen enough of in this country.
“I want to encourage everyone taking part in Gung-Ho! to support this amazing cause, we are so excited to have them on board as they encompass Gung-Ho! and everything that we are about.”
Alex came up with the idea for an inflatable obstacle course while sat in front of the TV – that idea spawned a new craze with thousands taking part in Gung-Ho!’s first three events in 2015, which included a visit to Newcastle.
This year, Newcastle is the eighth stop on a 12-date tour of the UK. So far tens of thousands of people have taken part, raising thousands for charity.
Participants can go Gung-Ho! in aid of BBC Children in Need, who are offering discounted tickets and a free t-shirt to those that pledge sponsorship to BBC Children in Need and run as part of Team Pudsey, via www.bbc.co.uk/Pudsey.
Runners, who must be at least 4ft tall, receive a free bib with race number, Gung-Ho! t-shirt and headband, while any spectators can attend for free and enjoy the food stalls and music.
Tickets and more information are available at www.begung-ho.co.uk. Check out Gung-Ho! updates by searching ‘Gung-Ho! on Facebook and on Twitter, at @begungho.
Tickets cost £50.