THE recent Cademuir Rollercoaster Hill Race in Peebles following on from Philiphaugh Hill Race by Selkirk the weekend before saw the completion of 6th and 7th races of the inaugural Scottish Borders Hill Race Series sponsored by James Jones & Sons Ltd.

Competition for placings is really hotting up as the series gets to the pointy end with only three rounds to go.

The next race at Baddinsgill Round in the Pentlands by West Linton is this coming Sunday.

And it is notoriously the longest race of the series and covers a lot of trackless and boggy ground.

As it stands Moorfoot Runners’ Andrew Cox (pictured) from Innerleithen is leading the series, with Brian Marshall, the ex-Scottish Hill Running Champion from Haddington the leading in the over 40 category.

The series consists of 10 short to medium races throughout the Borders over the Spring and Summer and participants will have to complete a minimum of five races to get a series placing – if more races are completed then your five highest finishes will count.

So far all of the races have seen an increase in numbers with the trend set to continue this weekend.

Over 400 people has completed at least one race and in theory almost 100 runners can still get a series placing if they complete enough of the remaining races.

The success of the series shows support for the overall idea 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.

Prizes giving will be after the Penchrise Hill Race south on Hawick the final race of the series, for the overall male and female winners with extra prizes for the fastest Borders resident or club member (if not the overall winner) and veteran classes.