Glasgow, 9th April 2016: The much-anticipated return of Red Bull Neptune Steps today saw some of the UK and Ireland’s top endurance athletes take on the ultimate challenge of swimming uphill.
In an international field of 200 athletes it was local Mark Deans that came out on top once more. Speaking of the race Mark said, “It feels awesome, it’s all a bit much! I had to push it really hard in the final”. And of the event itself he said, “It’s a truly unique event. I’d go as far as to say it is my favourite, and I’ll definitely be back if it returns again”. In a closely fought final Team Scotland triathlete Marc Austin finished in 2nd, and Irish triathlete James Walton in 3rd.
Mark Deans and Shannon Bothan
In the women’s event it was Stirling University triathlete Shannon Bothan who emerged victorious, in an elite field of athletes that saw competitors from Sweden, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and Canada take on the challenging course. Speaking of her experience competing in the open water adventure race like no other she said, “It was amazing, it feels really good to take the win. I’ve never competed in anything else like it”.
Braving the plunge, athletes battled a 420m swim and 8 canal lock climbs using rope climbs, wooden ladders, cargo nets and climbing walls to aid the ascent. 2,600 spectators were on site at the Forth & Clyde canal to witness the return of Red Bull Neptune Steps, the only race of its kind anywhere in the world.
Male and female podiums:
Male Final
1st place – Mark Deans
2nd place – Marc Austin
3rd place – James Walton
Female Final
1st place – Shannon Botham
2nd place – Helen Smith
3rd place – Cliona Ferguson
