Auchterarder put on a spectacular festival of running at the weekend, with both 10K and half marathon distances on offer runners were also blessed with blue skies and sunshine - summer doing its best to cling on despite the September date.

First up was the 10K event on Saturday (10 September) which saw over 200 runners take on the  scenic course around the town and surrounding countryside.

Jennifer Duncan was first female home in 41:26 with Helena Carey second in a time of 43:21, third place went to Susan Gray in 47:14. In the men's race, Matthew Sutherland was winner in a time of 33:33 with second place going to Steven Mailer in 37:19 and third to Barry McDonald in 38:01.

Sunday was another impressive day of racing with some runners having opted to take part in the festival’s infamous Double Dare challenge. That is, they opted to compete in both the 10K and the Half Marathon.

Winner of the 10K Matthew Sutherland, also claimed victory in the half marathon with a time of 1:14:14 - also securing his Double Dare medal! Second place went to John Beveridge in 1:18:52 and third to another Double Dare entrant - Barry McDonald in 1:22:28

In the women's race the winner was Janet Dickson in 1:28:25 with Jennifer Learmonth in 1:32:26 and Helena Carey, hot off her second place time in the 10K, came third in 1:39:32.

Speaking after the event, organisers said: "Well done to everyone who enjoyed the sunniest of days in the Lang Toon. The town and surrounding area got out and supported runners on the route over the weekend. We loved hearing from runners (and our marshalls) who were buoyed by cowbells and cheers."

While 10K participant Gordon Crawford commented on Facebook: "Really enjoyed my first ever 10K. Thank you to all the organisers for putting on a great event! Surprised myself with a sub-40 time and first in my category."

Find out more at the event's Facebook page.

Image: Auchterarder Running Festival Facebook