As the self-proclaimed Outdoor Capital of the UK, Lochaber has staged more than its fair share of tough, wild or quite simply wacky adventure races. 
 
And earlier this week it was announced by organisers, No Fuss Events, that one of the wildest – and definitely coldest events of them all will be returning to the Fort William area on 19th July for the first time in five years.

The Glen Nevis River Race is certainly different – and only for the more intrepid competitor.

Staged over a two-mile stretch of the river, the bold, brave (or should that be daft) competitors navigate the rapids supported only by a lilo!
 
After starting their race by jumping off a high rock face, the wetsuit-clad racers must then negotiate several more heart-stopping obstacles including the aptly named Leg Breaker and 30-foot high Lower Falls Leap.

Staged every year from 1973 until 2003, apparently more than 3,000 people have experienced the unique challenge, including BBC Scotland sports presenter Dougie Vipond and former daredevil and Blue Peter front-man, John Noakes.

Sadly, the organisers can't promise competitors a Blue Peter badge for their endeavours.

However, they can guarantee sponsored participation will help support the Lochaber Mountain Rescue team, the UK's busiest voluntary mountain rescue outpost.

What's more as Fraser Coupland from No Fuss revealed, there are still places available for the 2008 challenge:

"It's an achievable challenge to elite athletes as well as those weekend warriors who use the fantastic landscape in the Outdoor Capital for mountain biking, climbing, walking, kayaking and skiing. We are urging those keen to take part to sign up as soon as possible so they can start fundraising ahead of the race."