RUNNERS from across the UK turned out in force to compete in one of the most eagerly anticipated and iconic events of the West Fife athletics calendar.

Competitors from as far afield as Yorkshire headed for the Kingdom on Sunday August 20 for Pitreavie AAC Endurance's (PAACE) Forth Road Bridge 10k which, with only one date in the diary for 2023, sold out within hours.

The event gives those taking part a rare opportunity to race over the famous bridge, after setting off from North Queensferry Community Centre on a route taking them past Ferrytoll Park and Ride.

The 364 runners were piped onto the bridge by PAACE member, Ben Fraser, as they headed across the Forth to South Queensferry, where they completed a loop that allowed them to head back to West Fife and the finishing line.

Aside from a short spell of rain shortly after the start of the race, conditions were dry for the majority of the event, which saw two local runners finish inside the top three.

Sean Walker and Blair Geddes, in the men's senior age category, of PAACE and Carnegie Harriers, placed second and third respectively, behind Edinburgh AC's V40 winner, Iain Whittaker.

The race winner won the event in a quick time of 33 minutes and 19 seconds, with Walker (35:37), and Geddes (36:31) following closely behind.

Carnegie Harriers also had the first M50 and M60 runners, in Alan Murray (40:55) and Gary Evans (44:41), whilst Alan Robertson, of Lothian Running Club, was the first M70 competitor home in 50:00.

Leah Davie, of Corstorphine AC, was the first senior female to finish, in 41:52, with Fife AC's Janet Dickson the first F40 runner in an even quicker time of 39:23.

PH Racing Club's Julie Menzies was the first F50 runner home in 40:42, with Joy Gudgin (Carnegie Harriers, 45:35), and Diane Ring (1:08:57) finishing as the leading F60 and F70 competitors.

Leyna Flemming, unattached, was the first junior female in 50:34, with Pitreavie AAC's Rebecca Owens second in 50:52.

Race director, Campbell Blair, said: "It was brilliant welcoming so many runners to North Queensferry again for our annual event.

"With so many races to choose from, we always appreciate the support we receive from local runners and those travelling from further afield; the iconic Forth Road Bridge is certainly a big draw. Mother Nature was kind to us once again, and that made for great racing conditions and strong performances throughout the field, and across the age groups, with some fantastic times and lots of PBs being run.

"I’d like to thank our main sponsor Kingdom Housing Association for their contribution, and also to Benji Physio and Run4it for providing discounts to all runners and marshals. I’d also like to thank all our volunteers, ABC Paramedic, Perfect Timing Scotland, Police Scotland and BEAR for their support…the event couldn’t go ahead without them.

"Feedback from participants has been universally positive, with social media packed with great comments, with lots of mentions of the great organisation, friendly marshals, and fantastic post-race buffet, which went down a treat (runners do love a good feed!)."