THE 35th Alloa Half marathon took place on Sunday with record numbers attending.

A springboard for the year's big races, the Alloa Round Table organised competition has become an important date in the local calendar and raises thousands of pounds for good causes around the Wee County.

Around 3,500 elite athletes, club harriers as well as charity and fun runners entered the 13.1mile half marathon – some were eyeing up a place on the podium, while others were hoping their stamina and spirit will last on the way up to Menstrie Brae.

First to get back to the start and finish line at the Leisure Bowl in Alloa was Kristian Jones from Swansea Harriers with a time of 1.07.19 – around 2.30 behind the course record of Tsegezab Woldemichael.

Second home was Cameron Milne from the neighbouring county's Central AC, chasing Kristian just 21 seconds behind.

Taking the bottom podium was Inverclyde AC's Craig Ruddy with a time of 1.09.55.

Leading the females' race was Katie White of Garscube Harriers in 1.16.54.

Gemma Rankin from Kilbarchan AAC came second with 1.18.22.

Central AC's Morag MacLarty completed the race in 1.19.44 to finish third – she was closely followed by teammate Jennifer Wetton.

There were plenty of locals running too – the Wee County Harriers came to support the event with a record number of 103 entries altogether.

They had plenty to celebrate when club member Iona MacKay was the first local female to finish with a time of 1.36.14.

First local man home was Menstrie’s Chris Smyth with 1.22.40.

Race director John O'Malley was organising the event for the first time and wanted to thank everybody who helped out in any way.

On Monday, he said: “The community spirit in an event like this is overwhelming and it is a great reminder to how lucky we are to live in such a positive area.

“We are now in the process of evaluating yesterday's event which will then lead onto the kick start for next year.”

He said all the money made from the event will go to local good causes and anyone looking for funding for a project or to help with a local club should not hesitate to contact Alloa Round Table on Facebook.