Hundreds of runners turned out for an inaugural north-east race yesterday.
More than 200 people who signed up for the Chapelton 10K race donned their jogging gear to take on the “tough” route that circled through the nearby Chapelton of Elsick estate.
Cheering on as the runners passed the half-way mark outside Elsick House, the Duke of Fife said it was “lovely to see” the runners of all ages taking part.
He added: “It’s an amazing effort – especially on such a warm day”.
The community event, which raised more than £2,000 for charities Pillar Kincardine, Newtonhill Out of School Club and Portlethen Community Ambulance, was the brainchild of the Duchess of Fife and a small committee of Chapelton residents.
She added: “It’s brilliant to see everyone out enjoying the sunshine and really making this a community event.
“We have had lots of donations of help and were inundated with home baking to hand out to the runners at the finish line.
“I’d like to thank all the volunteers and marshals – we wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without them.”
As families and friends cheered runners over the finish line and soaked up the sun on the village green, everyone agreed the event had been a “great success”.
Catrina Milne, 46, from Aberdeen said she had “really enjoyed” the run, she said: “Everyone has been friendly – it’s been so well organised – and the medal featuring the red phone box is just lovely. Obviously, the cakes at the end were an added bonus too.
“I think this event will just grow and grow.”
Sarah Milne was the winner of the women’s race, clocking up 43 minutes and 14 seconds.
The 24-year-old said she was pleased with her time given the stiflingly hot conditions.
Meanwhile Cameron Strachan won the men’s event and crossed the finishing line at 34 minutes and 35 seconds.
Both said they would definitely be back next year.