The annual fundraiser attracted a capacity entry.

And the 196 starters all gave the scenic 13-mile route around Peat Law, the Three Brethren and Corbie Lynn a big thumbs up, despite the ice and snow.

Fallas held off the constant challenge from Doug Tullie of the Hunter Bog Trotters club to cross the finishing line in 1.35.47 - less than two minutes outside the course record.

The 35-year-old winner told the Border Telegraph: “I ran this race two years ago and I’m six or seven minutes quicker today which is pleasing.

“The conditions weren’t too bad. There was crisp snow most of the way and it was nice to be first along some of the paths.

“There’s no rest on this course, you have to keep pushing and I knew Doug wasn’t far behind me.” Tullie was completing the race for the first time - finishing just 20 seconds behind the winner.

And he admitted he’ll be back for more.

The 26-year-old runner up said: “I really enjoyed it. I closed in on Andy a few times but he got away from me again on the descents.

“I thought it was a fast course and my calves were screaming at me on the final descent.

“I’ll be back next year - that’s for sure.” Tullie’s training partner at Hunter Bog Trotters, Dan Gay, arrived home in third, five minutes further back.

Oleg Cheplin from Shettleston held off the challenge from Gala Harrier Fergus Johnston to claim fourth.

James Britton from the Moorfoots club finished strongly for sixth and there were good runs from several other local athletes including Lauder’s Mark Sutherland in ninth and Michael McGovern from Peebles in 17th.

The women’s race was won by Carnethy’s Helen Bonsor in a time of 1.53.15.

She told the Border Telegraph: “It was a nice day for running and I really enjoyed myself.

“It’s a well-organised race with plenty of marshalls cheering you on along the way.” Fiona Dalgleish from Gala Harriers was second woman home in 2.05.53 - two minutes in front of third-placed Elaine Omand from Dundee Road Runners.

Midlem’s Audrey Power, who runs for Border Triathletes, was fourth with Mairi Gilmour of the Glasgow University team in fifth.

This year’s Feel the Burns race, which is organised by the Selkirk Fund Runners, raised £1000 for the Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue.

Sheila Cochrane from the organising committee said: “It’s been another successful race and we would like to thank all of the runners, all of the volunteers, who were yet again magnificent, and all of the sponsors.

“It is always tempting to increase the number of runners for the race as we had to close the entry before Christmas this year, but we feel 200 is about right.” All of the finishers were treated to a Burns lunch at Selkirk Rugby Club following the race.

Selkirk Fund Runners would like to thank the Selkirk branch of Sainsbury’s for their continued support and also to Darren Hogan from J A Waters & Sons Butchers for supplying his award-winning haggis.