Fife

PICTURES: St Andrews competitors try to climb greased pole in Red Bull challenge

Participants simply had to grab the flag at the end of a greased mast - but it wasn't as easy as it sounds.

By Stephen Eighteen

September 22 2024, 10:46am

September 22 2024, 10:46am

An 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 Thomson

A solid tactic. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Getting close! Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Spectators were seen having a great time. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

A brave participant doesn’t quite make it. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Ouch! Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

The first participant to reach the flag. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Support from the crowds as the first flag is grabbed. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Everyone had their phones out filming the attempts. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Helmets on, ready for the challenge. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

The second participant to reach the flag. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

A big turnout for the Red Bull event. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

The crowds look on, some could barely watch. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Kai Williams grabs the flag in style. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Cheers for Kai! Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Kai Williams celebrating. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Graham 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

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