Glasgow to host '˜world's only uphill swimming race' on canal

A competitor performs at the inaugural Red Bull Neptune Steps in Glasgow at last year's event. Image: Red Bull

Participants from all over Europe compete to complete a 420-metre swim through the lock’s cold waters.

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 en route to the finish at the top of the lock.

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

The challenge is open to 150 places available, with heats arranged for up to 25 athletes per round.

Those who make it into the top 10 will reach the final - 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.

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Competitors can sign up to the event via the Red Bull website, by making a £20 donation to spinal injury charity Wings for Life.

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.

Entrants can sign-up online by making a £20 donation to spinal cord injury charity Wings for Life from 1 March.