ALMOST 350 athletes took part in the second round of the Borders Cross country Series in Galashiels.

Hector Haines from Hunter Bog Trotters held off the challenge from Carnethy duo Michael Reid and Andrew Fallas to win the senior race.

Galashiels schoolboy Thomas Otton produced a tremendous run to finish just behind them in fourth.

Another two teenagers, Gavin Bryson of Gala Harriers and Moorfoot Kobe Stevens, also ran well to finish sixth and ninth, respectively.

Fellow Peebles runner James Britton will also have helped the Moorfoot team points by finishing 12th with Lucas Cheskin and Darin Dougal in 19th and 20th.

Graham Manczak did well for host club Gala to cross the line in 14th and Mark Sutherland was the first Lauderdale Limper home in 16th.

Dianne Lauder from Gala Harriers, who finished 21st overall, won the ladies race from Carnethy’s Charlotte Morgan and Eilis McKechanie from Hunter Bog Trotters.

James Logan of Gala Harriers won the junior race from team-mate Callum Tharme and East Lothian’s Fraser Kelly.

There were good runs from Chirnside Chaser Josh Abbot to finish fifth and Gala pair Andrew Hogg in sixth and Faisal Khursheed in eighth were separated by Peebles teenager Ruairidh Britton.

Euan Hood led home the Moorfoot charge in 11th place.

Fellow Moorfoot Mairi Wallace was first girl home, finishing 21st overall, with Katie Rourke of Gala Harriers in second and Glasgow’s Valencia Wright in third.

Elena McGorum from the Moorfoots club was just behind in fourth.

The next round of the series takes place at Chirnside on Sunday, December 14.