ALMOST 1500 runners and riders enjoyed the opening weekend of TweedLove.

And many, many more are expected to follow in their footsteps and tyre tracks over the coming weeks.

Glorious sunshine greeted competitors throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the UK's biggest bike festival raced from the starting grid.

But the bikes were left behind on Friday evening as the Odlo Glentress Eleven trail run take place tested more than 200 athletes of all abilities.

Normal service was resumed on Saturday as 800 riders saddled up to take part in the gruelling Odlo Glentress Seven, where competitors attempt to complete as many laps as they can inside seven hours.

Firm trails and welcome shade from the forest led to Jonty Willins and teammate Jamie Johnston smashing previous records by completing an amazing 12 laps.

Several solo riders also managed an incredible ten laps within the seven hours.

The next generation of Glentress Seven riders were on show at Victoria Park on Sunday for the hugely popular Islabikes Family Day.

Close to 400 youngsters took part in the Mini, Mega and Mighty Mash-ups with even more parents, grandparents and friends cheering them on from the sidelines.

TweedLove Festival director Neil Dalgleish was delighted with the weekend's events.

He said: "This weekend was a brilliant start to this year’s festival.

"We’ve had more runners and riders than ever before, and they have proved themselves to be fabulous athletes.

"There were hundreds of people here, from all over the UK and beyond, and thanks go to everyone in the community who provided such a warm welcome and have helped make all this happen, especially to all our volunteer marshals.

"Let’s hope the sun keeps shining for the next two weeks - we can't wait for our next events."

TweedLove continues this weekend.

For all the colour and results from last weekend go to pages 40 and 41.