As nearly one thousand adults splashed, kayaked and ran their way around, in, and sometimes under, the Clyde in Glasgow, an onlooker would have been justified in asking if the lunatics had been let out of the asylum.
In truth, the Glasgow Rat Race is one of a series of urban rat races that are attracting the attention of a range of people, including adrenaline junkies, jaded runners and those new to exercise.
The urban rat races aim to use a city’s natural attractions to conjure up an event, based on a running race, that will allow competitors, either as individuals or as part of a team, to push themselves just that little bit more than they thought they could.
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The Glasgow event involved a seven-mile circular run along the River Clyde. Interspersed with the run were several obstacles, including a set of steps around the base of a tower, a six-foot wall, a 400-metre kayak, a knee-scraping crawl over an ice-field and an army-style assault course that takes you in and out of the Clyde.
The grand finale to the event was a gang-plank walk and subsequent five metre jump back into the Clyde. Dripping wet, competitors then dragged themselves the last three hundred metres and over the final 12-foot wall before bursting, or falling, through the finishing tape.
The Glasgow Rat Race is one of many urban races that have taken place around the country and it is an ideal event for people looking to add an element of adventure to their competitive running. It is also a brilliant way to motivate people who have been building up their fitness with personal trainers or in gym sessions but need to take it to the next level with some sort of challenge.
Good points:
- Very well-organised
- A friendly atmosphere, which was further encouraged by the organiser as he gave out race instructions
- Plenty of toilets
- Good use of the Clyde – we were in and out of it lots!
Bad points:
- There were long stretches of straight running, where an obstacle or challenge would have been appropriate
- A few more challenges generally
- No showering facilities
Would I do it again?
Definitely, and I will also take part in other races around the UK.
The next Rat race takes place in London on the 24-25 September. Visit www.ratraceadventure.com/page3.asp.
Sarah Juggins, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
For a more detailed report on the Glasgow Rat Race visit my blog juggsysworldoftravel.
