Enduro's, Hare & Hounds etc

I'm considering having a go at one of these next year. Has anyone ever entered these as a complete beginner and how did it go? Obviously I'll need a small bike (125/250 max) and the gear.

Is TORC the font of knowledge here in Ireland?

Not much help to you over there, but Wirral Off Road do race experience days on the Saturday before their main events on the Sunday. Few years since I did any racing, but the paddock was always very helpful and friendly. Start at the back, and see if you can work your way forwards. Good luck!
Mark

A long, long time ago

Found my old competition license when moving house.
You do need to be fit, really fit as it is physical from the start, buy the lightest bike as you be pulling it out of bogs while the fast and smart riders lap you - you won't be able to keep up.
It isn't about riding flat out all of the time, more of riding smart.
As we queued at the top of a steep drop trying to find a route down, he arrived, rode to the edge, stepped off the bike and let it slide down the slope, followed it down, mounted up and rode on.
If you find a guy stuck in a bog, don't ride into it. Stop short and find a path around. Ride smart. Get fit.