THE world’s only uphill swimming race will return to Glasgow with organisers promising that this year will be even bigger and better.
Maryhill Locks will host the adrenalin-inducing 2016 Red Bull Neptune Steps on April 9.
Set to attract some of the UK and Ireland’s top endurance athletes, participants must complete a challenging 420 metre swim through chilly waters.
During the race, they will climb 18m over eight of the canal lock gates.
Each lock will feature a different obstacle including cargo nets, ropes, wood ladders and a climbing wall.
Billed as a test of speed, strength and resolve, there are 150 places available in the one-of-a-kind race.
The gruelling competition will be spilt into heats with 25 athletes taking part in each round.
The top 10 will progress to the semi-finals with the hope of battling it out in the final.
Local hero Mark Deans from Jordanhill was crowned the inaugural Red Bull Neptune Steps champion last year.
The race, run in partnership with Scottish Canals, is open to anyone with a background in adventure swimming, multi-event racing or military training.
Neptune Steps is among a portfolio of extreme sports events held by Red Bull across the world, including downhill speed skating and cliff diving.
Rising Irish triathlon star Con Doherty is among those already confirmed in this year’s line-up.
“I’m delighted to be able to compete in this event,” he said.
“It’s such a unique racing format and it looks ridiculously challenging.
“There’s nothing at all like it anywhere else.”
Entrants can sign-up online by making a £20 donation to spinal cord injury charity Wings for Life.
The event is free for spectators with 1,500 people expected to turn up and lend their support.
Steve Dunlop, chief executive of Scottish Canals, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Red Bull Neptune Steps back to Glasgow again.
“What better way to celebrate the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design than by transforming a scheduled monument into the venue for a world-class, high-octane adventure race?”
Entry for this year’s race will open at 10am on March 1. For more information, visit redbull.co.uk/neptunesteps
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