How to ... have an adventure in London

If you thought the biggest physical challenge in London was cramming yourself into a Circle Line carriage at 6pm, or trying not to get knocked off your bike by a bendy bus, then think again. The capital is about to host a daring, adrenalin-fuelled competitive event when the UK's only urban adventure race series, Rat Race, comes to town on 29-30 September. Over the past few years Edinburgh, Bristol and Manchester have all hosted Rat Races, but this will be the first in London. On day one, teams of three must complete a three-hour run around the capital's most famous sights, stopping at checkpoints along the way to complete challenges such as rock climbing, abseiling and orienteering. The second day features a 50km cycle ride, interrupted by more challenges involving boats and ropes. Three years of planning have gone into the event and though precise details remain secret until the day, the organisers say trials could involve climbing statues, wading through fountains, abseiling from landmarks and even a spot of pole-dancing or parcours, the French sport which involves moving as fast as you can, in the least energy-consuming and most direct way possible. Anyone can enter but you need to be fairly fit, and competition is stiff, with many expert athletes taking part. Entry costs £99 per person for the full two-day event, or £35 for the easier Prologue Rookie Race, and spectators can use the event village next to Tower Bridge free of charge to watch sport demonstrations.