More than 600 hardy competitors braved the icy-cold waters of Maryhill Locks as Red Bull Neptune Steps returned to Glasgow for the fifth consecutive year.
In front of 3,000 raucous spectators, 600 hardy soles braved the shivering waters for what was a truly epic event.
In the Women’s race, local triathlete, Erin Jeffery (7m 5s), of Farrington Gurney and representing the Outdoor Swimming Society, powered to victory ahead of last year’s winner, Jennifer Davis (7m 24s), who finished second, and sixteen-year-old, Nicole Reynold (7m 38s), who came third.
Erin came first in a pool of 128 competitors, a record number of female competitors taking to the water to swim, climb and conquer of the world’s only uphill swimming events along the Forth and Clyde canal.
Erin said: “I’m in shock, mainly from the cold, though! The Final was really tough and I felt the pressure as I knew Jennifer was chasing me down. It felt fantastic to win and it was great to hear the crowd cheering me all the way.”
In a test of physical and mental strength, competitors completed a 420-metre sprint swim, before hoisting themselves over seven canal lock gates using ropes and ladders. With water temperature dropping as low as eight degrees, the event once again proved its credentials as the UK’s toughest open-water adventure race.
Erin is still an unsponsored amateur athlete, and hopes for some support as she approaches triathlon season.