Daredevils in the running for crazy race

Around 2500 entrants are gearing up for the 10k obstacle course, which runs through the heart of the city on Sunday, October 17.

Along the way runners will have to endure army obstacle courses, a gruelling stair climb and the Men's Health 8ft Wall of Fame. And the race would not be complete without a dash through the SOCO site on the Cowgate up to and through a derelict building on Chambers Street.

Organisers say the number of those taking part, of which 75 per cent are men, has soared from 1500 last year.

Among the contestants is city marathon man Mark Cooper - a legal firm worker who ran 50 marathons in just 56 days, beating comedian Eddie Izzard's 43-marathon record.

The 27-year-old ran an incredible 1310 miles from Holland to Spain, but despite being in the peak of physical fitness, he said he is not taking the race for granted.

He said: "Some of my friends did the race last year and I have to admit that I was a bit jealous.

"I decided to do it this year because it'll be a great laugh and I'm running it with friends. However, I have to admit I'm a bit worried about this 8ft wall, because I'm only 5ft 7in. Hopefully I'll make it over."

Mark, who has raised 28,900 for the Headway brain injury support charity, said: "My aim for a 10k is probably 36 minutes, but even 45 minutes, the sort of time last year's winners were getting, is looking a bit daunting. I'd be happy to be in the top ten and it'll be a great laugh."

Mark added that his tip to inexperienced competitors would be: "Stick to a target and keep to it.

"Some people get too excited and start off way too fast. Pace yourself and don't burn out."

The 10k race starts on the Royal Mile, where within 100 metres runners will have to climb a colossal hay bale wall.

They will also have to survive the Jacob's Ladder Climb from Calton Road to Calton Hill and weave their way through an obstacle course constructed using Range Rovers, the event's sponsor.

Jim Mee, managing director of Rat Race Events, which also organisers races in Cardiff and Nottingham, said: "Survival is an Urban Assault Course; it's a totally unique 10k and a brilliant way to see your own city, or someone else's, with some rough and tumble along the way.

"We established the Rat Race Urban Adventure in Edinburgh in 2004 and the Survival events echo that spirit of adventure and urban discovery, wrapped up in a really accessible, fun and totally engaging 10k running format.

"The event welcomes all levels of runner and they can expect to visit some really iconic Edinburgh locations, as well as some that are truly off the beaten track."

The race, which costs 36 to enter, has ten obstacles, and sees entrants kitted out in free Under Armour tech T-shirts.