Thrill-seekers are on their marks and set to go Gung-Ho! when Britain’s biggest obstacle course makes its debut in Milton Keynes this weekend.
More than 1,500 people have already put their names down for the Gung-Ho! 5K obstacle course to take on ten obstacles including the 200ft-long ‘Thriller’ slide and the world’s largest bouncy inflatable.
Gung-Ho! creator and Cbeebies presenter Alex Winters is bringing the event to Willen Lake on Saturday.
“I can’t wait because it’s somewhere I’ve never been, which is strange because in my job I travel all over the country,” Alex said.
“As soon as we finished our three races in 2015 we sat down and planned out where to go next and Milton Keynes was right at the top of the list.
“People there love to be active and take part in community sports – big races there are always really well attended – so it seemed like the perfect place to go.
“Willen Lake is unique in terms of venues this year. Most races are in parks or fields but nowhere else will people be running around a lake!
As well as the 72ft-high Thriller – which is taller than FIVE double decker buses – Saturday's event will see the arrival of obstacles including a foam-filled maze, giant ball pit and inflatable climbing wall.
Alex came up with the idea for an inflatable obstacle course while sat in front of the TV, and the idea spawned a new craze with around 16,000 people taking part in Gung-Ho!’s first three events in 2015.
Milton Keynes is part of a much bigger, 12-date Gung-Ho! UK tour this year.
Tens of thousands of people are now expected to go Gung-Ho! before the year is out, 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.
“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.”
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
