Parkour-inspired race set to run

The Army will help create some of the obstacles for the Edinburgh race runners

A unique, parkour-inspired running event is to be held in Edinburgh in October with the aim of raising money for Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland.

The charity hopes hundreds of runners will seize the chance to jump, climb and crawl their way across the capital.

The 10km race will see competitors take in many of the city's iconic sights during the traffic-free challenge.

The exact "Urbathon" route is secret, but the event on 18 October is open to people of all abilities.

It will be possible to miss some of the obstacles out

Parkour, or free-running, involves finding new ways of crossing urban landscapes, by vaulting, leaping and climbing.

Race organiser Jenny Smith said: "We're expecting up to 1,000 runners to take part in this new event and help get it started with a bang for us.

"I'm not going to give too much away because we want to keep some of the obstacles a secret so it's more fun on the day.

"I can say that you might have to jump over some vehicles and run through a bit of water."

She said it will be possible to sit out any of the obstacles and that the event - which is the first of its kind in Scotland - will be open to anyone who can walk the distance.

The run, which is sponsored by organisations including Edinburgh Leisure, will cover a range of surfaces around the city - starting in front of Arthur's Seat and taking in the Scottish Parliament building.