THE inaugural Tillicoultry 10k has been hailed a "great success" by organisers after some fine performances throughout.

The race, which took place on Saturday, December 29, attracted more than 230 runners and was completely sold out.

Organised by PH Racing Club in Dunfermline, the event was said to have gone down well with competitors and spectators.

The route, which followed the Devon Way path for 4.5k, with a 1k loop in Dollar before returning along the path, was run fastest by Scotland's Commonwealth medallist Robbie Simpson of Deeside Runners with a time of 30:44.

Robbie was pushed hard by Canadian athlete Kevin Blackney from the London Western Club in Ontario who posted an impressive time of 30:55, just 11 seconds behind the winner.

Third place went to Dundee Hawkhill Harriers runners, James Donald, who recorded a time of 31:32.

In the ladies race there was a fine win for Falkirk Victoria Harriers' Fiona Matheson who beat all her younger rivals to finish in 37:50.

She was closely followed by PH Racing Club's Alison McGill in second with 38:00 while Kristin Lownie, also PH, was third in 39:08.

PH athletes scooped a number of age category prizes with Paul Kieran (35:18 and 8th overall) and Karen Kennedy (39:55 and 4th female) winning the respective V40 prizes.

Kieran held off club mate Ewan Taylor who also had an excellent run to finish in 35:26. Zoe Stuart was third V40 in 43:40.

There were also prizes for first local male and female which were won by Ewan Jack of Ochil Hill Runners in 37:04 and Fiona Hanson unattached who finished in 45:06.

A statement on the website of PH Racing Club said: "We would like to thank club member Andrew Wright for all his hard work in organising the race both on the day and in the weeks leading up to it, and for coming up with such a fantastic route and venue.

"Thanks must also go to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help out on the day and to the staff of Devonvale Hall, in particularly caretaker Vince who was a tremendous assistance."

They also wished thanks to all of the sponsors.