Edinburgh Gears Up for the Return of the Rat Race

News Release / 17.07.2009

Scotland's capital is currently gearing up for the sixth Edinburgh Rat Race, one of the most eagerly anticipated and thrilling events in the city's summer events calendar.

The team-based, urban adventure sports challenge, open to competitors of all fitness and skill levels, hits the city this weekend (Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July) promising to transform it's dramatic and eclectic landscape into an exciting playground for up to 600 intrepid adventurers.

Building on the massive success of previous years when it has attracted teams from all over the world the organisers, Detail Events, have once again designed a highly innovative course with a set of awesome physical and mental challenges, many significantly different from those of past years. They will include an ever-changing mix of navigation, running, mountain biking, climbing, parkour, kayaking and abseiling - all devised to test the nerve and ingenuity of those with the requisite guts, determination and skills.

Edinburgh's breath-taking historic and contemporary architecture, cobbled streets, ancient steps, bridges, hills, cliffs, waterways, sea and shore, plus its many familiar landmarks, provide a perfect stage and backdrop for an event which in previous years has included a nail-biting abseil from the tops of Murrayfield Stadium, a bone-shaking cycle down a massive flights of steps in the 'wynds' of the Old Town, a traverse across Loanhead Viaduct, kayaking through the choppy waters of the River Forth, pedal pushing over the Pentland Hills, in the muddiest conditions imaginable, and tackling a seriously tricky assault course in the Cowgate Gap site.

However Detail Events are quick to point out that it takes more than a great city to make a successful event. Race Director Jim Mee, from Detail Events, said; 'The proactive approach and support of the City of Edinburgh Council and EventScotland have been instrumental in developing the Rat Race Urban Adventure Series. They have been quick to spot the potential in the event for the Edinburgh and have led the way for other cities to follow. Developing a unique event like the Rat Race in these conditions is a joy with such forward thinking and innovative partners. Funding bodies and City councils across the UK and abroad can learn a lot from their example.'

Adding a generous sprinkling of extra spice and fun to the race, which is traditionally kept a closely guarded secret until a few hours before the start, will be a number of trade-mark and often bizarre obstacles, mystery challenges and surreal tests located at the various checkpoints which will be spread across the city and the surrounding countryside over the weekend.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, said: 'The Rat Race is a prime example and product of Scotland's renowned events industry which seeks to create and identify events which will showcase Scotland's natural landscape, spectacular cities and unrivalled infrastructure and facilities. The Edinburgh Rat Race has set the benchmark for urban adventure races around the world and continues to set new standards in the sport.

This year's youth event will open urban adventure racing up to a whole new generation and is a fantastic addition to what is already a world class event. EventScotland has supported this event since 2005 and once again we look forward to welcoming the rats!'

Councillor Steve Cardownie, the City of Edinburgh Council's Festivals and Events Champion, said: 'I am pleased that Edinburgh is once again playing host to this extremely challenging and exciting race. It gives us a great opportunity to show what our city has to offer. The race will showcase some really iconic spots, demonstrating that Edinburgh boasts a natural and man-made environment fit for adventure.'

Spectators of all ages are also promised a brilliant weekend, particularly at the Event Village in West Prices Street Gardens, which will once again be the nerve centre of the event, where the race starts and finishes and teams congregate and to share their unique and frequently hair-raising experiences.

This hub of activity will include mini adventure shops, live music, refreshment stalls, adventure sports demos, and outdoor sports activities for the public to try their hand at. A massive 150 ft (50 m) crane will offer an extra exciting dimension to the weekend, offering members of the public a chance to sample the thrill of abseiling as they tower over the Edinburgh skyline, with a photographer on hand to record their efforts for posterity.

For more information or to enter a team go to: www.ratraceadventure.com or call 0845 009 4365