IT is one of the toughest races in the Borders. But, despite an increase in the number of places available, it has completely sold-out.

The Three Peaks Ultra, a 38-mile race through some of the region’s most spectacular scenery, is part of the Jedburgh Running Festival which returns in October.

And all 250 places for the long distance event have been taken with runners from all over the country attracted to the route.

A new Three Peaks Relay Race, which allows runners to complete the ultra route, from Jedburgh over the Eildon Hills near Melrose and back along the St Cuthbert’s Way, in teams of four, has also sold out.

However, there are still places available in the traditional 10k and half marathon races.

Last year the Running Festival was split over two days for the first time to keep up with demand for the event which continues to grow in size and popularity.

And that has allowed ultra runners to compete in a new craze, the “dirty double” - the ultra on the Saturday followed by the half marathon on the Sunday.

As well as the ultra, which attracts runners from all over the country, recent additions have also included the Cani-Sports 10k and half marathon.

Ultra runners, led by race organiser Noanie Heffron, were out in numbers at the weekend reccing the course. They are pictured above the golf course in St Boswells, with the Eildon Hills in the background.

Entries for the remaining races are open online at entrycentral.com