COURSE organisers have apologised after dozens of frogs were killed during an adventure race last weekend.

Organisers of the Mighty Deerstaker at Traquair have also vowed to carry out more stringent checks ahead of next year's event.

Shocked spectators watched on in horror as the amphibians attempted to leap for their lives as more than 1500 competitors ran through their ponds.

Christine McIntyre contacted the Peeblesshire News after witnessing the stampede.

She said: "It was terrible. One minute the pond was calm but as soon as the first runner went through frogs started appearing from everywhere and they were all getting squashed. Some of the first runners also had spawn hanging off them. It spoiled a really good day for me ." We were also contacted by one of the Mighty Deerstalker competitors.

He said: "There were frogs in both ponds behind the car park and it was a case of trying not to stand on them. I couldn't tell you how many were killed but there were quite a few at the second pond already squashed by the time I went through." There is no legal protection for the common frog or its habitats.

But cruelty officers believe more care should still have been taken.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: "The organisers of the event should have taken into account the likelihood that frogs would be present in the ponds and planned an alternative route as a result.

"We would advise organisers of such events to check with their local Scottish Natural Heritage officer whether any species of wildlife may be present in the area and should be avoided." The ponds were dug by the Forestry Commission around five years ago during upgrade work at the downhill mountain biking course.

And over the past few years plants and wildlife have taken up residence. Course organiser Gary Tompsett walked the Mighty Deerstalker route.

He said: "I waded through both ponds and all I noticed was a really small amount of frog spawn in one corner. When we first started the race four years ago the ponds were new and looked manmade which was perfect for the race - but there is a lot of vegetation there now.

"I was told after the race that some frogs had been in the ponds but I genuinely didn't know and I can only apologise. If I'd seen a lot of frogs when I waded through the ponds I would have changed the route.

"We will look at finding a solution for next year."