“The best thing about Inflatable 5K is that it is very achievable by a cross-section of the community.”
Do you want to have more fun running your 5K? Why not throw in 32 obstacles by trying out an Inflatable 5K?
Inflatable 5K started in 2016 and they hold events across 23 different cities from Edinburgh to Bristol.
Rob Henderson, one of the organisers, said: “It has grown over the last seven or eight years. There’s a great mix of obstacles in there for all abilities and they are all different from each other.
“Our venues are selected close to large cities so lots of people can come to the events.
“The best thing about the Inflatable 5K is that it is very achievable by a cross-section of the community. We have five-year-olds going up to people who are seventy.”
The obstacles standing in your way aren’t just bouncy castles. They are made robust enough to handle the around 3000 people who take part on a given day.
“Some people think they are bouncy castles, but they are purpose-built inflatable obstacles.
“You don’t take your shoes off to bounce on them you keep your shoes on while you’re running on them.”
The events take place on Saturdays between 9am and 2pm giving early risers and those who lie in an equal chance.
There are many benefits that giving an Inflatable 5K course a go can give that regular running can’t.
“Couch to 5K and Parkruns are excellent but with the obstacles around the course people are running and exercising without thinking about the running.
“They are running, thinking about the next obstacle or laughing their socks off about the fun they had on the last one.”
The course is circular to encourage runners to complete multiple laps. The Inflatable 5K course is two and a half kilometres, complete two laps to reach the advertised 5K. For those wanting an extra challenge you can do 10K or 15K.
If you want to try an Inflatable 5K, you can sign up on the day but Rob says it is better to sign up early. It also helps the organisers to know how many people are going.
There are some stand out obstacles on the course including the final one, The Boss.
“We’ve got a really great obstacle called The Boss which is multi-faceted. It’s got lots of different elements to tackle as you go through it.
“Another one is the Temple of Doom. It’s like a Mayan Temple with the big steps that you climb up and down the other side of it.
“Or the Growler, a low one that you crawl through. The newest one is the Slapper, a big rotating arm that you duck under but as the name suggests you might get slapped in the head!”
Ultimately, Inflatable 5K is designed to get city people exercising from those who already do and those who don’t because it’s all about the fun.
“It’s all very light-hearted and family-friendly. Lots of people in fancy dress. It is open to all and you make it as hard or as easy as your ability is.”
The next Inflatable 5K is on the 18th May 2024 at Brands Hatch racecourse in Kent.
To find out where your nearest event is go to Inflatable 5K Events | UK Running Events
Check out more obstacle course you could try here on Nine to Alive: WATCH: That’s One Tough Mudder! – Nine to Alive
