The sun shone and the community came out in force to support Sunday's Chapelton Of Elsick 10K. Over 300 runners took part in this multi-terrain race which starts and finishes in Chapelton, Stonehaven and passes through the grounds of Elsick House - a beautiful baronial house with a history going back to 1367.

Over the years, the race has proved popular with local runners and and is now a firm (and much-loved) fixture in the Aberdeenshire running calendar. The event is organised by residents of Chapelton with all profits from the event going to local community groups and charities.

It was a day for record-breaking performances, with not one, not two, not three… but four course records being broken! Taking the honours were, Junior Male winner, Harris Callander in 39:02, Super Veteran Male, Bryan Smart in 37:19, first Female, Jennifer Donaldson in 39:15 and Super Veteran Female, Louise Kelly in 46:38. Well done to all these fantastic runners and their times!

And it wasn't just a great day for times on the course, the event was also successful on the fundraising side with around £4750 being raised, all of which will go to local charities and voluntary organisations who do amazing work within the local community.

Event organiser Ann Gallon commented after the race: "Thank you to all for coming along today. I hope you enjoyed it! Well done and thanks so much to the volunteers - couldn't do it without you. I am proud to be part of a wonderful 10K committee."

While a spokesperson from the Chapelton community commented: "Community spirit at its best today. Well done and thank you to everyone who took part in today's Chapelton of Elsick 10K, including our amazing toddler and junior runners in the Brio Kids Races. A committee of passionate local volunteers have been dedicated to organising the event, headed by Race Director Ann Gallon who described the run as 'a 10K that was created for runners, by runners'.

"A huge team of volunteer marshals and sponsors also made this year's event a success, not forgetting Chapelton residents generous donations of homebakes for the runners tent!"

It was also a memorable day for mother/daughter duo, Rebecca and Andrea Watt who both found themselves on the 'winners podium' in their respective categories. Daughter Rebecca claimed first place in the 15-17 age group while mum Andrea came third in the 50-59 group. Andrea commented on Facebook: "Fantastic event! Thanks so much to everyone involved. My daughter's first ever 10K event and she won! I am still in shock at my first ever running trophy! Thanks for a memorable day!"

If you'd like to know more about getting involved next year, visit the event website here.

Image: Chapelton of Elsick 10K Facebook