A 10k with a difference; SCOTTISH FUN RUN WILL PUT ATHLETES UP AGAINST CRAZY OBSTACLES IN HEART OF THE CITY.

Byline: Fiona Russell

HUNDREDS of Scottish runners are being challenged to take on an adventure-style race through the streets of Edinburgh.

Organisers of the new event are especially keen to sign up female competitors.

The Survival of the Fittest 10k contest takes place on Sunday, October 18.

But what makes this race so different is the 10 fun and inventive obstacle zones competitors will tackle every kilometre along the course.

Gary Tompsett, of Scotlandbased Detail Events, is the race director . He said: "This is a great new concept in running events and for the first time it's taking place in Scotland.

"The event is open to all kinds of runners and we believe everyone will have a great deal of fun.

"Competitors should expect an amazing array of surprising obstacles at every kilometre throughout the exciting race."

The first Survival of the Fittest event took place last year in Nottingham.

Now, in association with Men's Health magazine, it takes on a tri-nations theme with new races in Scotland Wales and England.

Each host city offers a unique set of obstacles - and it's believed Edinburgh could offer the most inventive course.

Full details of the capital route are yet to be released, but expect a roller coaster of a 10k in the heart of the Old Town.

From a mass start down the Royal Mile, the race is likely to head through many of the city's steep, mediaeval streets and wynds.

Runners will also race up the thigh-zapping steps of Jacob's Ladder and over scenic Calton Hill.

After this, participants should expect to face some staple Survival of the Fittest classics.

Likely obstacles will include an Army-style assault course with cargo nets, rope swings, monkey bars and mud crawls.

There may well be a huge hay bale scramble and a slippery water slide located on a hillside.

Runners will also be challenged to a spot of gymnastics and an urban jungle obstacle course will see competitors negotiating their way through wrecked cars, stacks of pallets, oil drums and truck tyres.

Standing between entrants and the finish line will be a jaw-droppingWall of Fame.

This sheer, 8ft high construction must be scaled before competitors can officially call themselves a Survivor.

Claire Matthews, of Men's Health magazine, believes the Survival of the Fittest event will show the general public being fit can be fun.

She said: "We want to promote the benefits of exercise and keeping a healthy body and mind, and prove that you can have fun along the way."

The Edinburgh event is hoping to encourage a big number of women participants.

In the Nottingham event, a quarter of entrants were women.

Gary, who is also creative director of Edinburgh's now famous Urban Rat Race, said: "This is an event for both men and women. All that is required is a reasonable running ability and a great sense of adventure.

"But we would really like to see more women entering the field in this capital event.

"We are sure that everyone will enjoy what should be one of the best adventure-style races yet."

Survival of the Fittest takes place in Edinburgh on Sunday, October 18. Entry is pounds 35 per person, including special edition Under Armour T-shirt worth pounds 20, chip timing and event village entertainment. See www.mhsurvival.co.uk for information and how to enter.

We have challenged our reporter Fiona Russell to take part in the event. Find out how she fares in a post-race write up.

CAPTION(S):

MUD BATH: One runner is down and dirty OVER THE TOP: Runners at the first event last year had to scramble over a huge hay bale