Europe's largest inflatable slide is coming to Liverpool later this year as part of a unique 5k run.

Thrillseekers at Aintree Racecourse will have to tackle a 48ft-tall slide, dodge giant balls and fight their way through foam as they bid to beat the wacky challenge.

Runners may not be facing Becher’s Brook or the Canal Turn – but they will face ten tricky challenges on the course including a giant ball pit, a foam pit and a climbing wall.

The brains behind the run are Gung-Ho!, who are trying to capture the essence of TV classics such as It’s a Knockout.

CBeebies TV presenter Alex Winters is teaming up with organisers to bring the attraction to Liverpool.

He said: “I wanted to take part in a venture that would put a smile on people’s faces. I had the idea of creating an event that would capture the fun and pure joy of living that we see in toddlers and young children but for a slightly older audience.

“People have seen Wipeout, It’s A Knockout and some of the other obstacle races on TV - well this captures the essence of that.

“Make no mistake, it’s still a 5k but not as you know it. I’m excited to host these events and give the obstacles a go myself.”

Current plans will allow up to 5,000 people to take part in the event.

Anyone taller than 4ft will be able to tackle the challenge, while anyone smaller will still be able to enjoy the music, celebrity hosts and food stands.

After a staircase-like starting hill, participants will run through a giant ball pit and other inflatable obstacles before finishing with The Thriller - the biggest inflatable slide in Europe.

Alex has been a presenter on the BBC children’s network CBeebies since 2009. He also currently hosts a Saturday afternoon quiz show for BBC Radio Wales.

Away from TV and Radio, Alex regularly hosts live events for the BBC as well as family festivals around the UK including Lollibop, Kidzfield at Glastonbury, Geronimo and Little Fun Fest.

The Gung-Ho! obstacle course will be at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, August 29.

Is there an age limit?

There is no age requirement but participants must be at least 123 centimetres/48 inches to tackle the obstacles.

Can spectators attend?

Every participant gets two free spectator passes as part of the registration fee. Other spectators will be charged a fee of £5.

Do you have to complete every obstacle?

You can walk, skip, run or roll the course - it’s up to you.

If the obstacle looks too much for you then organisers say you are free to pass it by and move on to the next one.

Is the race timed?

No, the focus is on having fun.

How much is it and how do you sign up?

Introductory tickets are £35 until June 26, then £40 until July 24 and £45 after this date until August 21. Click here to register for a ticket.

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