HUNDREDS of enthusiastic runners braved a morning of snow as they lined up for an annual race in Tillicoultry last week.

The Tilli 10k, organised by PH Racing Club, saw 600 entrants lace up at the Devonvale Hall and were not discouraged by the wintry conditions on the morning of Tuesday, December 27.

Volunteers carried out a full course check, with the route taking participants from Tillicoultry to Dollar and back, gritting corners where required.

A load of snow then came down just before the start, leading to some slippery conditions, and while no one was going to set personal bests, the racers were not daunted by the fresh snow falling on the day.

Organisers told the Advertiser there has been some excellent feedback from those who braved the conditions enjoying the challenge.

There was a brilliant atmosphere with Graham from You Can Sport on MC duties at the start and finish line and three pipers encouraging the participants throughout the course.

One of the pipers out in the snow was Matt Wilson from Dollar, pipe sergeant of this year's World Champion band.

First man home in the race, timing at 31:27, was 2018 Marathon Commonwealth bronze medallist Robbie Simpson, who also came second in the 2018 inaugural race at Tillicoultry.

Second was Callum Tharme of Strathclyde Uni and third was Cameron Smith of Cumbuslang Harriers.

Beth Garland of Corstorphine was the winning woman with former Scottish Marathon champion Jennifer Wetton in second.

Giffnock North's Yvonne McNairn repeated last year's third place finish.

Despite the snow, there were some excellent runs in the various age categories with generous prizes awarded to the top three in five year age bands and a total prize fund of more than £2,000.

Race director Andrew Wright and the organisers issued a nod of thanks to all the volunteers who made the race possible, gave thanks to sponsors Williams Bros as well as Anne and other helpers at the Devonvale Hall for going out their way to help.

Thanks also went to the pipers, Graham from You Can Sport for lending his MC talents, as well as Chris and his assistant from Perfect Timing Scotland for smooth timing and results service.