ATHLETES endured freezing conditions and coastal winds in the fourth round of this winter's Borders Cross Country.

The Tweed Striders-hosted event at Spittal Beach, near Berwick, attracted more than 250 athletes despite the cold and difficult driving conditions to reach the starting line.

Tom Ferrington from Corstorphine triumphed in the senior five-miles race.

The Over 40s veteran was chased home by Over 50s masters champion Colin Donnelly with Carnethy's Alex McVey claiming third place.

Innerleithen's Dean Whiteford, who runs for Lauderdale Limpers, led home the local charge in sixth.

Teviotdale Harrier Fraser Clyne finished ninth with fellow Hawick runner Rory Anderson in 13th.

Best for the Moorfoot club was Scott Macdonald in 14th, just one place in front of Gala Harrier Tim Darlow.

Dalkeith's Lisa Macdonald continued her impressive start to the series by claiming the ladies' race.

Gala Harrier Kirtstin Maxwell was just 17 seconds behind in second with Claire Gordon of the Hunter Bog Trotters club in this.

A total of 154 senior athletes completed the coastal route.

The shorter junior course attracted 108 runners with Cameron Fordyce breaking the tape in 9.52 minutes.

East Lothian duo Angus Wright and Joe Donnelly were second and third, respectively.

Ewan Christie was the first local athlete home in fifth for Gala Harriers.

Flora Henry claimed the girls' race ahead of Anna Fairclough of Gala Harriers and Cerys Wright of Haddington.

The fifth round of races take place at Paxton House in Berwickshire on Sunday, January 13.