PICTURES: St Andrews competitors try to climb greased pole in Red Bull challenge
by Stephen Eighteen · The CourierAn unusual challenge to test competitors’ speed, skill and determination came to St Andrews on Saturday.
In total 80 challengers, including many St Andrews University students, took on the slippery challenge.
Red Bull Up The Mast took place in St Andrews Harbour between noon and 4pm.
Participants simply had to grab the flag at the end of a greased mast.
But it wasn’t as easy as it sounds, with only eight people grabbing the flag to advance to the final round.
In the final round, Graham Mutch grabbed the flag the fastest to be declared the winner.
After being crowned the UK’s first-ever winner, Mutch, from Fife, said: “I found it amazing!
“I am addicted. I really want to do it all the time. I will definitely come back next year.”
The competition was part of Red Bull’s wider Up The Mast series, which has so far had events in Turkey and the US.
The event was open to all participants over the age of 18.
Our photographer Mhairi Edwards was there to capture the action.
The crowd enjoying the Red Bull Up the Mast Challenge. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonA solid tactic. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonGetting close! Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonSpectators were seen having a great time. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonA brave participant doesn’t quite make it. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonOuch! Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonThe first participant to reach the flag. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonSupport from the crowds as the first flag is grabbed. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonEveryone had their phones out filming the attempts. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonHelmets on, ready for the challenge. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonThe second participant to reach the flag. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonA big turnout for the Red Bull event. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonThe crowds look on, some could barely watch. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonKai Williams grabs the flag in style. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonCheers for Kai! Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonKai Williams celebrating. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC ThomsonGraham Mutch grabbed the flag the fastest to be declared the winner, being crowned the UK’s first-ever winner. Image by Red Bull Content Pool