PEEBLES runner Susan Ridley tasted success at the European Masters Mountain Running Championships.

The Borderer travelled to sunny Machico, on the island of Madeira, to take part in the contest earlier this month.

The first race was the 8km mountain run, climbing 600m, in which the mass start covered all women’s age groups from W35-W75.

It consisted of two laps, each climbing 940 steps with a stony, technical descent before reaching a steep road section followed by 50 steps leading down to the promenade and finish line.

The mass start and narrow climb made it difficult to overtake on the opening lap.

However, Ridley made use of the descent to be in a good position to climb strongly on the final lap, maintaining that effort to cross the line in second place, winning her W55 age group.

The next day was the 5km vertical run climbing 1,000m.

After an unscheduled 30-minute delay, the combined women’s race set off up the steep mountainside where runners were faced with sections on road, cobbles and stony mountain trails.

Ridley climbed well, working her way through the field enjoying the wooded section, which gave some much needed relief from the sun.

Sprinting past the finish line, Ridley was delighted to finish eighth overall and third W55.

The third and final day was the 33km trail run, climbing and descending 2,000m in which men and women ran together.

The runners faced the 940-step climb again before tackling some serious stony ascents and descents with the sun beating down.

After a steady start, Ridley ran strongly to finish seventh lady overall and second in her age group.

Following her successful championships, the Borderer was honoured to represent GB in the closing ceremony with team-mate Kevin Dillon.