Runners 'step up to the plate' for the X Border 10k Challenge

The X Border 10k Challenge started in Gretna, Scotland and finished in the northern outskirts of Carlisle.

Mike James, of Innovation Sports and curator of the event, said "everyone really stepped up to the plate" to turn out in such large numbers, considering the poor weather.

"For the runners its only cold at the start but for those marshals at the start and finish of the race, I owe you a big thank you," he said.

GET-SET: Event organiser Mike James co-ordinating the starting line.

The event marked it's eleventh year anniversary and prides itself on the fact it's a good distance for both new runners and experienced - bringing with it new faces to the start line each year.

"It was difficult, we couldn't set anything up on the Saturday because of the high winds, so we had to get that really early on Saturday, but it turned out really well," he said.

720 initially signed up to the event, with around 25 per cent dropping out, what Mike referred to as "pretty standard considering the weather".

Looking to the future, the event will be going cross-border in the other direction with the event scheduled for September 11, the same day as the Great North Run (GNR).

SUCCESS: At the finish line

"That many people that go on the ballet for the Great North Run don't get on, so I thought if we were to put our event on the same day, it would pick up a few more people who are looking for a running event," Mike said.

With every runner having the same opportunity to run in the name of a charity of their choice.

Of Sunday's event, Harry Lancaster, from Eden Runners Club, took the number one spot with a time of 33 minutes.

The leading woman of the day was Marie Marshall, from Annan Athletic, who took home a time of 38 minutes.

Mike offered his thanks to everyone who took part and helped out, making the day a swimming success.