Last Saturday Fins’ swimmer Arran Stowe took part in the Red Bull Neptune Steps Challenge held in the Forth and Clyde Canal, at the Maryhill Locks, in Glasgow, where he qualified through to the final and finished in a very creditable 14th place.
The competition, which has been described as the World’s toughest open-water competition consisted of a 420m swim, but with the added complication of seven climbs totalling 18m. The climbs were achieved by the use of ropes, climbing wall, cargo nets, wood ladder, and rope ladders but made more difficult with water, which this year was at only 3 degrees C, falling on top of the competitors as they attempted each climb.
This was the fourth year the event has been held at the Maryhill venue and attracted a large entry of 600 competitors, up 200 on last year.
To reach the final Arran had to cover the course twice. Firstly, in the heats, which he won comfortable, and then in the semi-final where he recorded his fastest time. The event was won by Welsh International swimmer Dan Jones with English competitor Andrew Horsfall-Turner as runner-up. Early favourite to win the event Scott Deans of Glasgow finished in 6th place.
To put things into perspective the event included two Triathletes, one an Olympian, and two adventure addicts, none of whom made the final.