EVENTSCOTLAND are encouraging West Fifers to get stuck in the mud after giving £8,300 for Scotland's toughest obstacle race at Knockhill.

MacTuff 2020 comes to the race track on January 5 next year with a financial boost of tourism cash for a social media campaign to let more people know all about it.

It certainly poses a challenge with the event offering 7-kilometre, 15km and 30km courses across terrain consisting of mud, water and obstacles on top of a freezing cold hill in wintry West Fife.

A test of physical strength and mental grit, as well as endurance, stamina and willpower, it's aimed at groups or individuals aged 18 and over.

It is also a qualifying event for the world, European and UK obstacle course running championships next year.

Alex Potter, event director of MacTuff, said: “The support from EventScotland will enable us to use the social media platforms to engage with a wider audience across both Scotland and the UK, along with a well overdue website upgrade.

"It is an absolute privilege to be supported by EventScotland and we hope we can indeed let others see that Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”

EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s events directorate, has also given a £12,000 award to the Beast Race, another hugely difficult obstacle race which is coming to Fife for the first time.

It will take place along the banks of Loch Ore, in Lochore Meadows Country Park, on May 30-31 and involves a gruelling 15km trek with mega obstacles, giant water slides, icy loch water, thick mud and swamp crossings.

It will also include a 6km race and children’s obstacle race.

Caroline Warburton, of VisitScotland, said: “Top events like these bring visitors from across Scotland and further afield to Fife, helping to reinforce Fife’s growing reputation as an outdoor sports destination as well as bringing additional economic benefit to the region.”