THE sun was shining in Dalmellington as a break in the torrential rain during the recent storms meant runners could tackle the Hillbilly 10k in relatively good conditions.

Almost 300 men, women and children turned out on the day to take on the tough course around the rolling hills of the Craigengillan Estate and it was once again Keiran Cooper who took home the accolades when he completed the race in a staggering time on 36.52, a new course record which was met with warm applause and admiration due to the conditions and weather leading up to the event.

Adrian Young from Ayrodynamic Triathlon Club was second in 40.29 with Chris Lorimer third in 40.43.

Claire Wilkinson from Galloway Harriers was the first female home in 46.04 with Mary McCutcheon from Giffnock North AC in second in 46.42 with Iona Stroma Hubbard in third in 48.23.

North Ayrshire Athletics Club’s Paul Fisher won the sprint finish prize, clocking a time of nine seconds ahead of a number of athletes who clocked a time of 10 seconds.

Clubs from across Ayrshire and beyond were represented well and organisers were praised far and wide for the way in which the race was run, the marshalling, the buffet at the end and the sense of community enjoyed by all runners.

Organisers said: "30 hour record sell out event, Butterfly Events, Hillbilly 10k Cross Country, was a huge success on Sunday, February 16 in Dalmellington.

"Running through Craigengillan Estate and our stunning village, 350 runners loved the 6th year of this charity event in aid of Cancer Research UK, with perfect weather which broke through the storms.

"Ayrshire top voluntary committee are thrilled to have raised £4500 from our Hillbilly 10k with special thanks to our sponsor companies, Jet Garage Dalmellington, Abbotsinch Tyre & Exhausts, Kilmarnock, Premier store Dalmellington & RJ McCulloch plumbing & heating, Safehands medical & Callachan Physio.

"And support companies, Coo shed, Dalmellington care centre, Perfect timing solutions, DJ Lowrie and Craigengillan Estate. 

"Thank you also to Abbotsinch & Dark Sky Observatory, Dalmellington for donating vouchers to our fastest sprinter."

Thanks go to photographers Paul, Dave and Frank for the superb snaps.