CLOSE to 200 athletes took to the hills above Selkirk on Sunday despite snow storms and sub-zero temperatures.

The annual Feel the Burns race was reduced in length because of the week-long storms.

But it was still a familiar face who set the pace throughout the gruelling 7.5 miles around the Peat Law and the Three Brethren.

Hawick architect Doug Tullie, who won the race in 2016 and finished runner-up last year, led all the way to cross the finishing line in 1.09.21.

The 28-year-old, who runs for Hunter Bog Trotters, was chased home 90 seconds later by Steve Feltblower from the Ochil Hill Runners.

And a further minute back was Carnethy's Liam Braby.

Georgia Tindley made it a double for the Hunter Bog Trotters club by winning the women's race in a time of 1.18.07.

The 24-year-old ultra marathon specialist, who finished 18th overall, had opened up a seven-minute gap back to women's runner-up, Rachel Newstead of Carnethy, by the time she reached the finishing line in the Corbie Lynn.

Claire Hopkins was a further minute back in third.

There were many other eye-catching performances from local runners with Gala Harriers duo Craig Mattocks and Tim Darlow finishing in eighth and tenth, respectively.

Jamie McGowan from Gala Harriers just edged out Moorfoot Colin Williams for 20th place.

And Jedburgh veteran Iain Williams finished well in 23rd to beat Teviotdale Harrier duo Kenny Short and John Tullie.

Gala Harrier duo Tony Lunn and Gary Trewartha also ran well to finish just outside the top 30.

Tommy Knox finished inside the top 100 to claim the prize for the first Selkirk runner home.

And Jane Taylor, who is part of the Galavanters club, collected a Spotty Dog Hamper for crossing the line as the first lady from Selkirk.

Only two of the 197 starters failed to finish despite the gruelling conditions.

Sheila Cochrane from the Selkirk Fund Runners organising committee, told us: "It was a difficult decision to shorten the route but we didn't have much choice as the snow was up to six foot deep with the drifts.

"We managed to make a channel through the snow for the shorter 7.5 miles but the snow came on again at the start of the race and lasted all the way through.

"We were amazed by how many runners still came despite the shorter course and the difficult conditions to reach Selkirk."

The final athletes reached the finishing line in just over 2.40 hours.

And all of the finishers as well as course volunteers were treated to a hot meal in the rugby club.

Sheila added: "A huge thanks goes to all of the trusty helpers who braved the conditions to make sure Feel the Burns went ahead.

"We'd also like to thank Darren Hoggan from Waters Butchers in Selkirk for making all the pies and donating a voucher for the winner.

"Lauderdale Limpers also kindly organised the hamper which was supplied by The Spotty Dog in Lauder."