DEEP snow and icy stretches didn't put off the 160 or so starters for Sunday's Scottish Borders Duathlon at Bowhill.

Now in its 14th year, the trio of winter races organised by Durty Events are as popular as ever.

Oleg Cheplin, who finished fourth in the opening round short duathlon back in November, managed to produce a fantastic running leg to claim victory.

Nick Williamson from the Carnethy club, who triumphed over the short course, finished around 30 seconds adrift in third.

And Brian McLellan was sandwiched between the pair in the runners-up spot following a good bike leg.

The duathlons were originally held at Glentress.

But a switch to the picturesque estate outside Selkirk four years ago has proved popular.

Ulverston's Kie Jackson finished fourth on Sunday with Alex Cumming just 16 seconds further back in fifth.

Border Triathletes fared well in the women's race with the club's Caroline Wallace claiming gold.

Anya Campbell, also from Borders Triathletes, finished strongly to take third place behind Sally Barr.

And Leonie Cairns finished fifth for the club, just behind Perth's Fabienne Thompson.

But the Bowhill Duathlon series is as much about introducing the sport to newcomers as it is an out-and-out race.

Despite the tough conditions, and several slips and tumbles, 148 of the 156 starters completed the course.

A spokesman for Durty Events said: "Anyone familiar with the series seems to love it, and they keep coming back for more.

"The format is usually Mountain Bike followed by Trail Run, sometimes the other way round.

"They're very newcomer friendly and relaxed, but also offer a stiff challenge if you're wanting to try and go quick, or keep your motivation going over the winter months.

"The series is set up for all sorts - newbies to internationalists, triathletes, runners, bikers, and people who just like to do stuff."

The third and final leg, which is the longest race, takes place at Bowhill on Sunday, February 28.

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