THE AIMUp mountain bike chairlift project proposed for Innerleithen may have hit the buffers - but there will definitely be a rollercoaster on Cademuir Hill this year.

The Cademuir Rollercoaster hill race returns for a second year on Saturday, August 15 The race, organised by local running club Moorfoot Runners, was a new addition to the hill race calendar last year and takes in the summits of Cademuir Hill to the south of Peebles. It is again sponsored by Peebles’ Italian restaurant Franco’s.

There is a two-course menu on offer for the runners, a 3k and a 6k, on the open grassy slopes of Cademuir Hill which the organisers say provide a sufficiently testing race for the experienced hill runner but not so challenging as to rule out the fit novice, newcomer or junior.

The 3k race is open to all - minimum age 11 this calendar year - and the 6k is minimum age 15 this calendar year.

Race organiser Gregor Nicholson, from the Moorfoot club, said: “Cademuir Hill provides a very runnable course mostly on the inviting paths of the John Buchan Way with some fantastic views of Peebles and the surrounding countryside.

“We received some great feedback last year when 57 runners took part. We had the usual wide range of ability which you expect in hill races from good club runners to local non-club runners challenging their fitness on familiar terrain on their doorstep. We are planning for a healthy increase in participants this year. And of course we’re delighted to have Franco’s restaurant on board again as race sponsor.” With the race sponsorship deal and vouchers as prizes secured Italian style over an al fresco coffee on Franco’s new summer terrace, Proprietor Francesco de Martino, added “Marisa and I are very pleased to be supporting another of our local community clubs with this event. We hope the runners and spectators are blessed with some Sorrento-like weather and come and enjoy an al fresco refreshment afterwards on our new terrace.” For more information on the race, course routes and entry details go to the Moorfoot Runners website www.moorfootrunners.co.uk