THE annual eight mile Xmas Pudding Race which started and finished in Melrose took place on Sunday December 10.

The race attracted a broad range of runners from the speedy to those taking on a longer distance for the first time.

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This year the weekends torrential rain ensured there was plenty of mud on Bowden Moor and the Eildon forest trails.

118 runners took on the challenge many entering into the spirit of the day wearing festive garb, Elvis was also spotted grooving around the trails with the Elves, Christmas trees and Christmas Puddings.

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Lauder Limper Marc Wilkinson took an early lead to smash the previous course record by almost a minute finishing in 51:35, hot on his heels was Moorfoot's David Carter-Brown in 52:02 (also inside the previous course record) the podium completed by third place Johnny Lawson from Portobello Running Club in 52:42.

First female was Shettleston Harrier Elena Heger who was also 6th overall finishing in 58:35.

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Local Innerleithen based Rickie Cotter was Second Lady and Peebles Lucy Colquhoun third. The V50 males were Moorfoot's Dean Carr 1st, Stuart Campbell 2nd and Border Triathlete Jonathan Taylor 3rd all also well in the top 20. V50 ladies were Portobello's Yana Thandrayen in 1st, Lauder Limper Jane Elliott in second and Portobello's Shery Johnston in third.

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Though it wasn't just the speediest who left with prizes, the race had fantastic support from local businesses and spot prizes were awarded for best dressed, muddiest, best finish and 100th runner.

About £1600 was raised for this years charity Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue who were also on hand but fortunately not needed.