A POPULAR Italian chef is proving he's not pasta his best by providing the perfect topping for a local hill race.

The Cademuir Rollercoaster has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best hill races in the region since it began three years ago.

And much of the success has come from the continued backing of local Italian restaurant Franco's.

To announce the continued support this week, Franco's owner Francesco de Martino was joined by race organiser Gregor Nicholson for a little role reversal.

Mr Nicholson was given a gnocchi masterclass in the Franco's kitchen before his tutor pulled on his trainers for a few laps of Tweed Green.

Francesco told us: “I don’t think any of the runners will be worrying too much about having to race me."

Franco’s sponsorship deal includes vouchers for the winners of the various categories.

The winner of the overall men's and women's races also collect an additional bottle of prosecco, courtesy of Franco’s partner Bacco Wines in Edinburgh.

Franco’s co-proprietor Marisa de Martino added: “We are delighted to continue to sponsor this community race which we have done since it was first held in 2014.

"Good luck to all the local runners but especially those who enjoy Franco’s for their pre-race or post-race meal.”

In a slight change to previous years, there is a three course menu for this year’s Rollercoaster runners – the start course over 3.8km, the healthy option of 5.8km and the main course 8km.

Mr Nicholson told the Peeblesshire News: “Cademuir Hill provides excellent running terrain, much of it on the paths of The John Buchan Way, with some fantastic views of Peebles and the surrounding countryside.

"Like most hill races, you don’t have to be a super-fit club athlete to enter.

"Usually a third of the runners are non-club runners.

"There is a real community feel to this type of hill race whether you are racing near the front, trying to beat your own time from last year, running with friends, or just enjoying some healthy exercise in a beautiful environment, all for the princely sum of £2.”

The Cademuir Rollercoaster, which takes place on the hills to the the south of Peebles, takes place on Saturday, August 12.

Further information, including race times, course maps and age eligibility, can be found on the Moorfoot Runners website www.moorfootrunners.co.uk