RECORDS were smashed at this year's Feel the Burns hill race near Selkirk.

Not only did Andrew Douglas of Inverclyde AC set a new best time for the tough course, but an all-time high of 269 runners took o the start line.

And a record amount was also raised for the mountain rescue team who provide assistance each year.

The eighth running of Feel the Burns attracted athletes from across the country.

And first-timer Douglas, who lives in Edinburgh, had the course record in his sights from the gun.

The 33-year-old opened up an early lead on his way past the Top Pond - and he was more than two minutes ahead at the Three Brethren.

Douglas eventually crossed the finishing line in a remarkable 1.25.03 - knocking more than two minutes off the course record.

He said: "Apart from it being a bit windy along the top, it was a great day for running.

"I knew what the course record was and I went out hard from the start.

"I was aware that I was probably in front of the record time so I really went for it coming off the final hill.

"It's a really enjoyable race."

For runner-up James Britton, who came home in 1.33.58, it was a case of déjà vu.

The Carnethy athlete said: "I think that's the third time I've finished second.

"It's a brilliant race and I'll be back to have another go next year."

Fellow Carnethy athlete Dessie Flanagan was a further minute back in third.

Leading the local charge was Iain Stewart of Selkirk just ahead of Lauderdale Limper Marc Wilkinson in 10th, Scott Clark of Gala Harriers in 11th and 12th-placed Moorfoot Andrew Dancer.

Jill Stephen from the Hunter Bog Trotters won the women's race in 1.46.09.

She told us: "It's my first time here and I hope to come back again.

"It is very runnable for a hill race.

"I knew I was leading but I also knew there were some good runners in the race so I had to keep pushing on."

Angela Mudge of Carnethy crossed the finishing line for second in 1.48.52, exactly three minutes ahead of third-placed Sally Barr.

Gala Harrier Kirstin Maxwell finished strongly to claim fourth.

Other prize winners on Sunday were Julian Warman from Hunter Bog Trotters in the Vets Over 50s, and Colin Donnelly of Cambuslang in the Vets Over 60s.

Michelle Hetherington of Carnethy won the women's Over 50s, and Teviotdale's Pauline McAdam was first in the women's Over 60s.

Veteran Steve Clough from Norham Running Club was the only runner in the Over 70s category, finishing in a hugely impressive 2.30.49.

Organiser Sheila Black was full of praise for the athletes and her army of volunteers.

She told us: "Entries for this year sold out in 10 hours, which is amazing, and we ended up with a waiting list of close to 100.

"We can't thank all the athletes who have supported the race enough.

"We wouldn't be able to put Feel the Burns on each year if it wasn't for all our sponsors and volunteers.

"The thought of a Waters & Sons Butchers pie at the finish was a great incentive for the runners and the tea ladies back at Selkirk Rugby Club catered for everyone."

Sunday's Feel the Burns race raised a total of £3,300 for the Tweed valley Mountain Rescue.