NORTH-EAST adventure seekers will get the chance to burn off those Christmas calories next year as one of the world's biggest fun runs comes to the region.

Gung-Ho! Seriously Fun 5k will take adults and children back to the days of Total Wipeout, Fun House and It’s A Knockout as they clamber over huge obstacles and through giant inflatables.

The course, which includes giant mazes, walls, gauntlets and slides amongst other obstacles, will come to Wynyard Hall, near Stockton, on Saturday, March 31 next year.

The inflatables will be filled with enough air to fill more than 75 million footballs, and those taking part can run in a team of up to 100 people with friends and family.

Alex Winters, a former Cbeebies presenter, was the brains behind the event and came up with the idea while watching an episode of Ninja Warrior back in 2014.

“I grew up watching some of the great, classic TV shows of yesteryear like Fun House, It’s a Knockout and Gladiators," he said.

“Like many others I dreamed of taking part in something like that, but never got the chance! Now I am giving the people of Teesside the chance to roll back the years and act like a kid again.

“This will be a day out like no other - anybody of any shape or size will be able to get round the course and we guarantee they will have an absolute blast in the process.

“We promise fun, thrills and spills for everyone taking part.”

Runners, who must be at least four feet tall to take part in the event, will receive a free bib with race number, a Gung-Ho! t-shirt and headband, while any spectators can attend for free.

Children under 11 must be accompanied through the course by a participating adult.

Tens of thousands of pounds has already been raised for good causes at previous events, and this year's course will tour the UK over the summer.

It will also appear in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark on dates yet to be confirmed.

“This will be our fourth year of touring, and we guarantee this will be the best year yet," said Mr Winters.

“Since we started I have wanted to bring Gung-Ho! to Teesside and now we finally get the chance - I can’t wait.

“We have added new obstacles to make sure the course is as fun as it can be for 2018

“We can’t wait to see as many people as possible duck, weave, climb and slide their way across the course.”

Mr Winters said tickets for the event increase in price closer to the event so people are urged to book now.

For more information and to find out how to get tickets, visit www.begung-ho.co.uk.

Alternatively you can find them on Facebook or Twitter.