Head Brewer has plenty to toast as Three Peaks Ultra gets weekend of racing in Jedburgh up and running
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Last updated 12 hours ago
The Head Brewer at Durty Brewing in Innerleithen has plenty to toast this evening (Saturday) after winning one of the toughest running races in the Scottish Borders - for a second time.
Adam Gray, who runs for Penicuik Harriers, completed the Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultra in a time of five hours, seven minutes and 52 seconds.
He even found the energy to climb all three Eildon Hills, at the halfway point in the 38-mile route, despite a shortened option being put in place for runners not wishing to brave the blustery conditions, which had already led to Sunday’s wheelchair and handbike races being cancelled.
“We got lucky with the weather,” Adam told Greatest Hits Radio. “Because it was beautiful at sunrise and finished before the worst of the storm.
“But yeah, really happy. It's a really nice, unique race. There's nothing quite like it. Really well organised, really friendly, and just a really nice route.”
It’s the fourth time the 41-year-old has taken part in the race, which he last won three years ago.
“We're like 20 minutes faster this year,” he added, when pushed for his times. “Not bad at my age.”
More than 200 runners took part in this year's ultra and relay events, which follow parts of the St Cuthbert’s Way.
Oli Jepson, from Moorfoot Runners, was the first from a local club to cross the line, finishing third overall, while Viviene Watson was the first woman home.
Despite the threat of worsening weather, many runners opted to take on all three Eildon peaks rather than use the shortened route down from the first, which came with a time penalty.
Among them was Angus Robertson, who also runs for Penicuik Harriers.
“It was tough; tough, but good fun,” he said. “Thankfully the wind didn't seem to turn out to be as bad as we thought.
"It wasn't too windy on the summits, and the rain seemed to stay away pretty much, so it was good. It wasn't the mud bath I thought it was going to be."
After the ultra, attention now turns to the 10k and half marathon events which set off next to Jedburgh abbey at 11am on Sunday.
Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultra - photo gallery
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