HAWICK’S Doug Tullie went one better on Sunday to win the Feel the Burns Hill Race outside Selkirk.

The gruelling 14-miles course, which takes in Peat Law and the Three Brethren, attracted a total of 196 starters.

Despite snow and icy conditions the tough climbs and fast descents provided a thrilling race with the 27-year-old architect, who runs for Hunter Bog Trotters, edging out Mark Sutherland from Lauderdale Limpers on the home straight.

Doug, who was runner up behind Andrew Fallas last year, told us: “It was a little slippy on the climbs but otherwise it was a great day for running – it was really still going along the top.

“I finished second last year and knew the course well. Mark was with me all of the way and even when I thought I was getting away I could hear his footsteps in the snow.

“I really enjoy this race and it’s great to be the winner.”

Despite finishing runner-up 23-year-old Mark still gave the fundraising race the thumbs up. He told us: “This is one of my favourite races.

“I was with Doug for a long way – we were swapping the lead for a while – but in the end I was just trying to stay as close to him as I could.

“I’ll be back next year to give it another go.”

Carnethy’s Iain Gilmour stormed home around a minute later to take third.

Fiona Dalgleish broke the tape in the ladies race ahead of Dundee's Elaine Omand with Mairi Gilmour from Glasgow Uni Hares & Hound a further minute back in third.

Feel the Burns was established in 2013 to help raise funds for the town’s Pringle Park Playpark.

For the past two years it has bolstered the bank account of the Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue.

And this year it raised close to £1100.

Organiser Sheila Cochrane was delighted with the entry and the racing conditions. She said: “The weather was the best yet and runners loving the scenery and severity of the course.

"The last climb up Foulshiels Hill is notorious now and always a great taking point at the finish line.

"We have had a few fallers along the route but nothing too serious – they are a hardy lot these hill runners.

"A huge thanks to all my loyal helpers and the new ones roped in too, Sainsbury's Selkirk, Waters' Butchers, Cameron's Bakers and the Down to Earth fruit shop."

Dave Nightingale from the Border Triathletes won the Over 50s category, with Pauline McAdam from Teviotdale Harriers scooping the over 60s prize and Tommy Knox finishing first Selkirk runner.

All finishers were served up a hearty Burns' supper at Selkirk Rugby Club.