It's like a jungle out there as Capital's invaded by rats

EYEBROW shaving, Spacehopper racing and a stint on the Nintendo Wii were just some of the bizarre tasks which helped make up this year's fifth Edinburgh Rat Race.

Around 500 competitors took part in the gruelling two-day challenge which saw teams of three navigate their way around the Capital's urban jungle either on foot or bike, completing a host of challenging and amusing tasks at each pit-stop.

More than 160 teams were sent to places such as the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho, Meadowbank Stadium, Arthur's Seat and a barber's shop to carry out their challenges and complete them faster than their competitors.

Teams were also sent out to North Queensferry and the Union Canal at Ratho to do a spot of kayaking.

This year's winners completed the weekend challenge in eight hours and 45 minutes.

The 2008 course was designed by John Laughlin, 26, from East Kilbride, who has taken part in all of Edinburgh's previous Rat Races.

It was in fact the team he usually competes with – called Aberdeen Asset Management – that took this year's winning title.

Mr Laughlin, an athlete who competes in extreme events all over the world, insisted there was no foul play involved and the team won fair and square.

He came up with this year's weird and wonderful challenges simply by "wandering round the city" looking for opportunities.

Other challenges competitors were faced with included BMX riding, hunting for aliens, climbing, playing a game of pool and tackling a giant six-metre high washing machine which was set up in Princes Street Gardens in the event's Adventure Village.

Mr Laughlin said: "I just have a fruitful imagination. I also had a great planning team which helped come up with the ideas.

"It's been a great weekend. The weather has really helped and Edinburgh has lived up to its reputation as a great place to have the Rat Race."

This year's winners were Bruce Duncan, from Aberdeen, Nick Dracie, from London, and Iona Robertson, from Glasgow.

Mr Duncan, a former Edinburgh University geology student, has competed in the Edinburgh Rat Race since its birth five years ago and also competes in the events across the UK.

The 27-year-old said: "Edinburgh is definitely the best city to race around. Arthur's Seat and the Firth of Forth and all the other facilities right on the door step are just fantastic.

"My favourite part this year was the kayaking underneath the Forth Rail Bridge which was pretty spectacular. Running was by far and away the worst for me because I have a knee injury."

The Aberdeen Asset Management team were followed closely by Team Sleep Monsters/Inov-8, from England, Dundee's Clive James Meet Ali J and Monsieur Mange Tout in third place and the Total Meadowbankers, led by team captain Colin Williams.

Event spokesman Paddy Cuthbert added: "Everyone's been very cheery and in good spirits.

"There were a few injuries and people dropping out but nothing serious."