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Update: Jordanhill's Mark Deans wins Red Bull Neptune Steps for third year in row

Record number of competitors set to take to the icy waters of the Forth and Clyde Canal for epic West End challenge.

Spectators saw local lad Mark Deans win the men's final of the Red Bull Neptune Steps challenge for the third successive year.

Hundreds crowded along the canal-side in Maryhill on Saturday to see 400 competitors battle over the demanding Locks course.

Mark, who hails from Jordanhill, swept to first place in the men's competition, with Andrew Horsfall-Turner second, and Marc Austin third. Mark's brother Scott was fourth.

 Splash: Participant competes at Red Bull Neptune Steps in Glasgow, UK, on March 18, 2017. Photo credit: Olaf Pignataro /Red Bull Content Pool.
Splash: Participant competes at Red Bull Neptune Steps in Glasgow, UK, on March 18, 2017. Photo credit: Olaf Pignataro /Red Bull Content Pool.

In the women's competition, the first four were: Jennifer Davis (first), Lilyella Craw-Seamen (second), Fiona Gibson (third), and Shannon Botham (fourth).

The Red Bull Neptune Steps event took place at Maryhill Locks on the Forth and Clyde Canal in the West End of the city.

Competitors faced a test of speed, strength and resolve as they swam through 420 metres of cold water and climb 18 metres over seven canal lock gates.

 Exertion: Participant competes at Red Bull Neptune Steps in Glasgow, UK, on March 18. Olaf Pignataro/Red Bull Content Pool.
Exertion: Participant competes at Red Bull Neptune Steps in Glasgow, UK, on March 18. Olaf Pignataro/Red Bull Content Pool.

This year will saw double the number of competitors as 400 men and women line up to swim, climb and conquer the ultimate open-water endurance test.

Red Bull Neptune Steps started with heats throughout the day, with the highest placed swimmers from each round moving onto the semi-final heat and eventually the final.

Each canal gate featured a different obstacle, which the swimmers had to climb over before diving into the next section of water, including cargo net, ropes, wood ladder, rope ladders and a climbing wall.

Watch: Swimmers Mark Deans and Gordon Benson look ahead to the Red Bull Neptune Steps race this Saturday.

Steve Dunlop, Chief Executive of Scottish Canals, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Red Bull Neptune Steps back to Glasgow’s canal for the third time.

"This world-class, high-octane adventure race is just one of the many new and exciting uses of the 200-year-old Forth & Clyde Canal that’s changing the face of North Glasgow."

* For more information, visit redbull.co.uk/neptunesteps.

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