How hard can a mile-long race be? Well, throw in some sand, climbs of up to 23-feet tall and hundreds of others competitors and you may well be reevaluating your answer.

The Red Bull Quicksand challenge will be returning to Margate this May after 750 runners tested their mettle against a gruelling track last September.

The uniquely-brutal course comprises of multiple sections created to test endurance, agility and speed, with trenches, rollers and six sand castles standing between those brave enough to take it on and victory.

With starving lungs and burning calves, advancing competitors will face the course all over again as it follows a knock-out format, with runners progressing through heats and semi-finals, to reach the grand final.

A Red Bull spokesman said: "The 2018 edition saw the tallest sandy climb at a staggering 23 feet tall - almost the height of two double-decker buses.

"This year promises bigger, tougher obstacles including a new loose sand tabletop obstacle set to slow runners down further.

"Runners expend 1.6 times more energy on sand than running on a road surface - the course includes a number of sandy climbs, giving competitors a full fitness examination."

Entries for Red Bull Quicksand will open on Tuesday, February 5, with early bird tickets costing £20.

The challenge will take place in Margate on Saturday, May 18.

Jemma Whyman, winner of the women’s race in 2018, said “After the first heat I felt fine but the third run was so knackering, but the race was brilliant and the atmosphere down here was better than I expected. I will be back to defend my title."

Ross Brackley, who won the men's challenge, added: "I got through to the final with a bit left in the tank so I gave it everything.

"It was a really interesting running event, very different from anything I have done before. It was all about how you paced it.

"The sandcastles and bumps just take so much out of you, if you push too hard in between you have nothing left to get up again.

"I'm really up for coming back this year, really good vibes at this event."

Visit the Red Bull website for more information.