THE first ever Scottish Borders Hill Race Series concluded last week with the final race of the 10 rounds near Hawick.

More than 500 athletes have taken part in the spring and summer series.

Due to the sponsorship of timber contractor James Jones and Sons Ltd there was no additional fee to enter.

And a set of wooden trophies and printed pint tankards were awarded for the overall male and female winners with extra prizes for other top finishers the fastest Borders resident or club member and veteran classes.

Moorfoot Runner Andrew Cox from Innerleithen won the overall series title with very solid and consistent results throughout.

Team-mate Lucas Cheskin from Cardrona was second in the Senior Male category.

The overall woman’s title went to Edinburgh’s Jill Stephen who runs for the Hunters Bog Trotters club, while Susan Ridley from Peebles, who runs for Edinburgh AC, won the prize for the first female Borderer, as well as being the 1st F50.

Brian Marshall, the ex-Scottish Hill Running Champion from Haddington, won the M40 category with Mike Andrew from Carnethy 1st M50.

Pauline McAdam of Teviotdale Harriers was 1st F60.

Series Co-ordinator Colin Williams told us: "For faster runners there has been a bit of prestige to compete for, but overall the idea is to promote the different races throughout the beautiful Scottish Borders in an increasing busy calendar and hopefully motivate to get out and enjoy the hills.

"The series has been a real show case for what the region has to offer.

"The races stretch all across the Borders ranging from the Pentlands by West Linton in the west, to the Cheviots by Yetholm in the east and with other venues including Peebles, Earlston, Melrose and Selkirk.

"All the races saw an increase in entries and in total 500 individuals took part in at least one of the 10 races, with 22 runners gaining a series placing with Borders clubs Teviotdale Harriers, Moorfoot Runners and Lauderdale Limpers well represented."

Following last week's Penchrise Pen Hill Race at Stobs Camp a prize giving ceremony took place.

Scottish Borders Councillor for Hawick and Hermitage, David Paterson, presented the prizes