CHILLY Borders weather did not deter around 3,000 competitors taking part in an event billed as the toughest off-road race in the UK.

Participants were pushed to the physical limits in The Mighty Deerstalker in the beautiful surroundings of the Tweed Valley last Saturday.

Many of the competitors were clad in traditional tweed or tartan while others tackled the demanding course wearing fancy dress. Participants faced mud-filled trenches, water crossings, forest trails and man-made hazards until late into the night before reaching the finishing line at Traqauir House, Innerleithen.

The braver competitors opted for the 10k challenge which took them further and higher and was steeper, wetter and wilder than the 5k version.

Marcus D’Agrosa was first home in the 5k race, followed by Craig Rendle and Ryan Henderson.

Julie Menzies was the first lady to complete the shorter route.

Ben Stevenson won the Mighty 10k ahead of Mark Purkis and James Dunn.

Eilidh Yates was first lady ahead of Charlotte Watson and Julia Wark over the longer course.

Jim Mee, creator of The Mighty Deerstalker, said: “In a world where obstacle-heavy events dominate, The Mighty Deerstalker goes back to the basics and uses mother nature to deliver the challenge.

“Competitors not only have to deal with a gruelling course in the wilds of the Scottish winter, but they also must do so in complete darkness.

“This year was The Mighty Deerstalker’s 10th anniversary, making it one of our most established and popular events.

“As always, there was a fantastic atmosphere on the night, with lots of participants dressed up in tartan and tweed, keeping with the event’s historic theme.” In keeping with tradition, at the end of the course runners were joined by their friends and family at the notorious Mighty Beerstalker tent, where they were able to toast their success and enjoy lots of food, drink and live music.

Similar races have become more and more popular in recent years but Rat Race organisers say this one was Scotland’s first.