This new race near Newcastleton attracted a small entry of 8 for the 2km Fun Run and 10 for the 6km Hill Race on a glorious sunny day. From the scenic car parking field the race took runners first along a quiet country road towards England before heading up sheep-cropped grass to the rocky summit of Carby Hill (258m) with it’s large sink-holes before a gentle downhill ridge run then several grassy fields back to the Finish.

The two courses were well thought out with plenty of marshals at crucial points, and everyone was complimentary about the pleasant underfoot conditions for most of the route which made for fast times.

Max Clarke (unattached) just pipped Teviotdale Harriers Andy McEwan in the Hill race, winning by 2 seconds, with John Tullie in 3rd place and 1st M60. Rachel McAleese from Lauderdale Limpers was 1st lady with Teviotdale’s Lindsey Knox 2nd Lady and 1st Over 50 Lady.

In the 2km Fun Run the honours went to Craig Watson, just heading off brother Greg by 6 seconds.

Landowners the Lockhart-Smith family actively encouraged the race and put up a good selection of prizes, so many thanks to them. Local volunteers provided welcome refreshments afterwards. Hopefully with more publicity this lovely little race will attract a bigger turnout next year – the probable date is 10 August 2019.