Gung-Ho Came To Newcastle

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On Saturday, September 19th Gung-Ho the fun 5k giant inflatable obstacle course came to Newcastle racecourse and we went along to see what it was all about. 

Gung-Ho is like nothing you have ever seen before it is a 5k run but it is not any old run, oh no this is a 5k run that is an obstacle course and the obstacles are giant inflatables that are seriously fun. I am not just talking bouncy castles either they are really impressive huge inflatable obstacles that are fun for adults and older children. There was a climbing wall, giant ball pool, foam filled maze and the giant Thriller which is a 5 storey high slide, which is Europe's biggest inflatable slide. 

The event was on for most of the day starting at 9am with Waves of runners taken part every 15 minutes throughout the day. 

 It was a really well-organised event with lots of staff dotted around. There was also ice-cream vans and food and drink stalls and a small bouncy castle for children to enjoy. 

There was a stage near the start line playing music with fitness instructors on stage helping the participating to warm up before the race. My eldest daughter (aged 12) took part. 

The countdown started and as soon as the presenter shouted "Be Gung-Ho" she was off and ran straight for the first obstacle which was giant stairs you had to climb up, she was one of the first over the other side. Next, it was a short jog to the next obstacle which was a climbing wall, she had a bit more trouble with this one but the staff on hand give her a leg up and helped her over the wall.

After the climbing wall it was a short run to the next obstacle which was called the day tripper this looked like a giant connect four frame and it was big holes you had to jump through to get to the other side.

Next up was the Labyrinth - a maze filled with foam that you have to try and find your way out. Another five-minute run led to a giant ball pool,  a pit filled with giant 6ft inflatable balls and you had to try and get your way out.

Another run to born slippy which is two ramps that are slippy and covered in foam you have to run and jump over these. You jumped over one wall and then into a foam pit and then you had to jump over the second wall. 

The next obstacle was a climbing wall with a mini slide on the other side and it was really wet and slippy so whenever you tried to climb it you just slid back down again.

Then it was the jungle which is a 100 ft long obstacle course - you had to climb under tunnels, climb upstairs and down slides and dodge big balls that were hanging from the ceiling.

  Then it was time to go on walking on the moon a 5000 sq ft bouncy castle.

Then it was time for the grand finale the Thriller a 5 storey high and 200ft long giant inflatable slide. At the finish you are given a t-shirt, wristband and headband for taking part. 

 Gung-Ho is returning to Newcastle race-course on the 2nd July 2016 and tickets are available to book online on the Gung-Ho website now. Prices start at just £35pp if you book before the 11th March, you get two free spectators per competitor and children under four can watch for free. 

There are no age restrictions but you do need to be taller then 123cm to take part, you don't have to run the course either you can walk it if you prefer as it is not a timed race it is all just about having fun.