Thrill-seekers are on their marks and set to go Gung-Ho! when Britain’s biggest obstacle course featuring Europe’s tallest inflatable slide returns to Newcastle.
More than 1,000 people have already put their names down for Gung-Ho! 5k obstacle course to take on ten obstacles including the 200ft-long ‘Thriller’ slide and the world’s largest bouncy inflatable.
Organisers decided to bring the fun-filled event back to Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth, after an incredibly successful debut in September last year.
Sales for the race, which takes place on Saturday 2nd July, have delighted Gung-Ho! creator and CBeebies presenter Alex Winters, who can’t wait to bring the race back to the north-east.
Alex, who will host the race on day, said: “The Newcastle race was an amazing day. It was my favourite of all our events last year.
“Straight afterwards we said we needed to bring it back to Newcastle next year. From the off there was so much excitement from everyone involved.
“On the day we had more people in costume and more people who I would consider ‘Gung-Ho’ than the other two races we held put together. People were so excited and into what we were doing.
“So many runners raised money for some fantastic causes; it was fantastic to see and it has really stuck with me. One group of dads were raising money for a school, all dressed as Sloth from The Goonies.
“It seemed that every wave we set off there were more and more bonkers costumes and a bigger and bigger buzz about what was happening.
“I can’t wait to get back to Newcastle and see what the Geordies have in store for us this time!”
As well as the 72ft-high Thriller – which is taller than FIVE double decker buses – July will see the return of obstacles including a foam-filled maze, giant ball pit and inflatable climbing wall.
Newcastle, which launched Gung-Ho! as one of just of three events in 2015, is part of a much bigger, 12-date Gung-Ho! UK tour this year.
Alex came up with the idea for an inflatable obstacle course while sat in front of the TV.
The idea spawned a new craze with around 16,000 people taking part in Gung-Ho!’s first three events in 2015.
Tens of thousands of people are now expected to go Gung-Ho! in 2016, while charities across the UK are also set to benefit thanks to sponsorship and local partnerships.
Alex, 39, added: “I was watching Ninja Warrior with my kids and they were saying how great it would be to do something like that.
“I immediately thought of It’s a Knockout, Takeshi’s Castle, Total Wipeout – TV shows that I and other people love but are never going to be able to take part in.
“I thought: ‘What if there was something like them available for the public, something everyone could do?’.
“It is great that we can help raise money for charities as well. You see so many charities nowadays because so many parts of society need help.
“Gung-Ho! is a great opportunity for people to have great fun and raise money for important causes at the same time – and anyone can do it.
“At our event in Windsor last year a disabled girl went round the course on a tricycle and her dad helped her over the obstacles. That sums up everything Gung-Ho! is about.”
Iain Jamieson, 48, took on the obstacle course in aid of the race’s local partner charity Smile For Life last year, and can’t wait to go Gung-Ho again.
Iain said: “It was such a fantastic event. We had a whole team of fundraisers – of all ages and backgrounds – running for the charity.
“Everyone really enjoyed themselves – we had a right laugh getting over all the obstacles and all made it to the end.
“We are already getting a team together for this year’s race and we can’t wait to give it a go again.”
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 £30 but prices go up shortly, so sign up quickly to ensure you don’t miss out.