Glasgow set to host uphill swimming event on canal

Winners celebrate after the 2015 Red Bull Neptune Steps event in Glasgow last year. Picture: Olaf Pignataro/Red Bull

The uphill swimming event is set to return to the city's Maryhill Locks tomorrow, with 200 open water swimmers taking part in the chilly waters.

Participants from across Europe will compete in the 420-metre swim tomorrow, which will see them climb 18m over eight of the canal lock gates en route to the top of the lock.

Each lock features challenging obstacles such as cargo nets, a climbing wall, ropes and wood ladders

Those who make it to the heats will face off against 25 athletes per round.

Competitors perform at Red Bull Neptune Steps in Glasgow at last year's event. Picture: Olaf Pignataro/Red Bull

World's only uphill swimming race returns to Glasgow

The final will take the format of a top-ten shootout, which was won by Jordanhill resident Mark Deans in 2015.

The speed and strength challenge has the support of Scottish Canals and is open to anyone with adventure swimming, multi-event racing or military training experience.

Austrian energy drink company Red Bull is well-known for its involvement in extreme sports such as cliff diving, Formula 1 motor racing and downhill mountain biking.

Those who entered the popular event paid a £20 donation to spinal cord injury charity Wings for Life to secure their place.

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