ABBOTSFORD House provided the stunning backdrop for Gala Harriers’ trail races on Sunday.

Close to 150 runners took part in the junior and senior events with the Harriers achieving a one-two-three in the five mile race and the first five placings in the two-mile junior race.

Club president Graeme Murdoch was the first senior to cross the line in a time of 29.24, with Marcus D’Agrosa second (29.57), and Gary Trewartha third (31.28).

First female home was the club’s Sara Green in 33.34.

Edinburgh Athletics’ Susan Ridley, from Peebles, was second (37.56), with Gala Harrier Joeleen McKean third (38.12).

Susan was also first F50 athlete home, and first F60 runner was Yvonne Millar from Jog Peebles.

Gala Harrier Gillian Duncan was first F40 athlete.

In the male age categories, Graeme Murdoch was first in the M40 category, with Mark Upward of Portobello Running Club winning the M50 category, and Gala Harrier David Nightingale coming first in the M60 age group.

In the junior two mile race, the first five placings were Gala Harriers athletes.

There was some brotherly rivalry with Ewan Christie taking the win from his younger brother Ross in a time of 13.05.

Ross completed the race in 13.54, with McKenzie Power third in 14.01. Ewan won the U15 boys category, with McKenzie taking the U13 title and Ross the U11 category.

Jake Shepherd was first U17 male home in 14.22.

First junior girl to cross the line was Gala Harrier Isla Paterson in 14.09, securing the U13 girls title and finishing in fourth place overall.

Second was Teviotdale Harrier Iona Jamieson (15.23), with Gala Harrier Anna Fairclough third (15.31). Anna also won the U15 girls age category, with Annika Melrose (SAINTS) first in the U17s and Gala Harrier Kirsty Rankine winning the U11 age category.

The event was sponsored by Tempest Brewing Company who provided bottles of beer and merchandise for winners and runners-up, as well as for lucky race numbers. Abbotsford House also provided prizes as well as supporting the event in the picturesque surroundings of the home of Sir Walter Scott.

It is hoped that the trail races, which are in their second year, will continue to increase in popularity and become a flagship event for Gala Harriers.