TRAIL running is the fastest growing discipline in the sport and in the borders we are fortunate to have some spectacular trails right on our doorstep.

Lauderdale Limpers have always held a club trail run every month followed by refreshments in a local cafe, christened "The Breakfast Run" but in their 20th year the club have decided to open the runs to fellow runners in the Borders.

The concept is simple, choose a venue, chose a couple of routes of typically six and 10 miles and then enjoy the companionship whilst running through spectacular countryside.

On Sunday around 40 runners from all over the Borders enjoyed a beautiful winter's morning with the venue being Milestone Garden and Leisure in Newtown St Boswels.

With tables at the cafe reserved for their return everyone set of at a gentle pace down to Dryburgh Bridge then followed the undulating riverside paths to St Boswells Golf Course and onto Mertoun Bridge where the six miles runners left and crossed the bridge to head back to Milestone via Dryburgh.

The 10 mile route continued along the river to Maxton Church then crossed the river at the (very) swing bridge at Merton Estate before following the river back upstream via Dryburgh.

As well as the spectacular scenery the runners were treated to the sights of the wildlife of the river including leaping salmon, herons and a whole family of otters who dashed out in front of the group and splashed about in the river showing off to the runners.

On returning to Milestone everyone were rewarded with steaming mugs of tea and coffee and welcome scones and bacon rolls, not to mention some strange looks for their colouful gear!

The Limpers breakfast runs are planned for the first Sunday of the month.