Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is the NeoPent Challenge?
The NeoPent Challenge is a multi-discipline event that tests endurance, strength, agility, balance, and coordination.
Each participant will be timed over the individual stages. The participant’s results over each section will be recorded and converted into places (1st, 2nd etc). The resulting place position will then be given an equivalent point; for example 1st = 1 point, 2nd = 2 points and so on.
Each competitor’s placing over the different stages will then be combined to give a total score for the whole event. The competitor that successfully completes the course with the lowest combined points will be deemed the winner.
Is the NeoPent Challenge a race?
No! It is not the person who finishes quickest who wins, but the person who has the lowest combined points.
A person who runs the endurance stage the fastest, but who then competes badly in the other stages may do it quickest over all, but still not win.
The final stage is the 100m sprint. This has an equal weighting to all of the other stages, including the endurance run. Participants must plan their approach to keep enough energy to sprint 100m at the end!
The NeoPent Challenge is overall a test not only a test of the participants’ physical ability, but also their athletic intelligence.
How many participants is expected?
Due to logistical constraints, the maximum number of participants is 3,000.
Who can participate?
Anyone aged 16 years or older on the day of the event may participate. A NeoPent Junior course will be available on the event day.
Do I need to be an athlete?
No. The NeoPent Challenge is designed for a wide range of fitness levels. While some obstacles are physically demanding, participants can complete the course at their own pace.
Is the event timed?
Yes. Each participant receives an official completion time and rankings are produced following the event.
Is the event wheelchair accessible?
The event is not designed to be wheelchair accessible, however wheel chair users can join as spectators. Disabled toilets are provided on site.
Registration
How do I register?
You can register online through the NeoPent Challenge website by creating an account, completing the registration form, accepting the Terms & Conditions, and paying the entry fee.
Can I register on the day?
Day-of-event registration may be available if places remain, but advance booking is strongly recommended.
Can I change my details?
Personal details can be changed up to 7 days prior to the event by contacting info@neopentchallenge.com
Can I transfer my place to someone else?
Participant transfers are only permitted where allowed under the event Terms & Conditions.
Will I receive confirmation?
Yes. A confirmation email will be sent immediately after successful registration.
Before the Event
What should I bring?
Bring:
-
Event confirmation
-
Suitable sports clothing
-
Running shoes
-
Water bottle
-
Change of clothes
-
Towel
-
Any required medication
What should I wear?
Comfortable sportswear suitable for running and outdoor exercise. Spiles are not recommended due to the nature of the endurance course.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 60 minutes before your allocated start time.
Will there be parking?
Parking will be provided. To encourage car pooling there is €4 charge per car. Note this money goes directly to Russborough House, which is a registered charity and is wholly reliant on commercial activities.
Please go to Plans and Pricing for payment.
Safety
Is the event safe?
Safety is our highest priority. Event marshals and qualified first aid personnel are positioned throughout the course. The course has been specifically designed to be safe while also challenging.
The course has been reviewed and verified by independent engineers to ensure that the fences are designed and constructed to the highest safety standards:
-
design review and approval - carried out by Ashview Consultants.
-
construction review and approval - carried out by Rowan Engineering Consultants.
Do I need to be medically fit?
Participants should only enter if they are physically capable of completing the event. Anyone with medical concerns should consult their doctor before participating.
What happens if I become injured?
Medical personnel will assess and treat injured participants. Emergency procedures are in place throughout the venue.
Is insurance included?
Personal accident insurance requirements are outlined in the event Terms & Conditions.
The Course
How long is the course?
The endurance course is 8Km long.
The strength course is 120m long
The agilty course is 120m long
The balance course is 120m long
The speed course is 100m long
Total is 8.46km
How many obstacles are there?
The number of obstacles varies by event, but every course is designed to challenge endurance, strength, agility, balance, and coordination.
Can obstacles change?
Yes. To ensure that the logistics of the event are not affected, fences may be changed. This includes the size of the fences, number of repetitions etc. Obstacles may be omitted priot to the event.
In the event of changes been made to the fences, participants will be notified via social media.
What happens if I cannot complete an obstacle?
If a participant cannot complete a fence, the participant will sent to a “penalty box” for 3 minutes before being allowed to attempt the next fence.
Timing & Results
How is my time recorded?
Electronic timing technology records your official finish time for each stage.
When will results be available?
Results will be published by 5pm after the event on the NeoPent Challenge website.
Are there prizes?
A trophy will be awarded to the overall winner.
Facilities
Will there be toilets?
Yes.
Are changing facilities available?
Changing facilities will be at the registration office.
Is drinking water provided?
No. Participants will need to provide their own water.
Will food be available?
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.
Will there is a bag drop?
Yes a bag drop will be provided to registered participants only.
Spectators
Can friends and family attend?
Yes. Spectators are welcome.
Is there an admission charge?
Spectator access is free.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but dogs must be kept on a short lead.
Photography
Will photographs be taken?
Yes. Official photographers and videographers will be present.
Weather
What happens if it rains?
The event will proceed unless a red alert is issued by Met Éireann.
Can the event be cancelled?
In exceptional circumstances such as severe weather or safety concerns, NeoPent Challenge reserves the right to postpone or cancel an event.
Refunds
Can I get a refund?
Entry fees are generally non-refundable except where required by law or as outlined in the Terms & Conditions.
What happens if the event is postponed?
Participants will normally be offered a transfer to the rescheduled event.
Personal Data
How is my personal information used?
Your information is securely stored and used solely for event administration, timing, communication, and results in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Can I edit my registration details?
Yes. Participants can update their information by logging into their account before the registration deadline.
Contact
How do I contact NeoPent Challenge?
Visit the Contact Us page or email us at info@neopentchallenge.com. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day.