The world’s biggest inflatable obstacle course could bounce back to Bucks after a successful Milton Keynes debut on Saturday.
More than 3,000 thrill-seekers conquered Europe’s tallest inflatable slide and the world’s biggest bouncy inflatable at Gung-Ho! 5k inflatable obstacle course.
Runners young and old slipped and slid across 11 tricky obstacles at Willen Lake, and the brains behind the event Alex Winters is desperate to come back again next year.
Alex, a presenter on Cbeebies, said: “The day went so well. It is up there as one of my favourite Gung-Ho! events.
“The setting was fantastic – what a gorgeous lake. It’s unlike anywhere we have been before. From the off people were so up for it. They were so excited and you could see everyone was having so much fun.
“There was an incredible atmosphere with people helping each other out around the course. I noticed there were so many people running for different charities which was great to see.
“The instant feedback we had was better than anywhere else we’ve been. We had lots and lots of people asking if we can come back next year because they were desperate to have another go.
“We would love to come back next year if Willen Lake and Milton Keynes will have us!”
Among the thousands of runners who took part was Milton Keynes MP Iain Stewart, who said he hoped Gung-Ho! would return to his patch next year.
“I have only just got my breath back! There was a really good atmosphere and everyone was in good spirits," he said.
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“It was fantastic to see so many people taking part, with so many raising money for local charities and good causes.
“I have done a few running events like the London Marathon and some of the other running events locally, but never anything like this!
“I would love for Gung-Ho! to come back and I would love to do it again next year. Perhaps I will do a bit more training next time round!”
Among the charities represented were Children in Need - Gung-Ho!’s official national charity partner, and local charity partner Willen Hospice who fundraised through sponsorships, donations and providing paid stewards for the event.
Jonathan Rigby, Director of Marketing at BBC Children in Need, said: “We were thrilled to see the amount of support in Milton Keynes for Gung-Ho! and BBC Children in Need. It was such a fun-filled day, if not a little crazy!
“A big thank you to everyone who pledged sponsorship and likewise to those that donated, every penny raised really helps make a difference to young lives and it’s all made possible by the amazing work of our supporters.”
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.
The Bucks event was the ninth stop on a 12-date tour of the UK in 2016, and so far more than 30,000 people have taken part, raising thousands for charity.
