Dumfries Sports Club

More than 80 Doonhamers pulled on their running shoes to take part in a new fun run on Saturday.

Organised by Dumfries Running Club, with the support of the South West of Scotland Transport Partnership, the Queen of the South Viaduct 5k was held to celebrate the opening of a new bridge across the River Nith.

The event also raised money for the British Heart Foundation.

Runners of all ages and abilities got involved with some even getting into the festive spirit early when they dressed up as Father Christmas.

The run, started by Provost Jack Groom, began and ended at the new Queen of the South Viaduct, which was opened by Queens’ chairman Davie Rae on Friday.

Dumfries Running Club chairman Stephen Mohan hailed the event a big success.

He said: “We were very pleased with how it went and it was good to get so many people of all different ages involved.

“This is the first time this run has been held but it could become an annual fixture because it was so well supported.”

There was no entry fee, but runners were asked to make donations in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

And a total of more than £200 was raised for the charity. All finishers received a certificate bearing a picture of the Queen of the South Viaduct.

The viaduct has been transformed into a multi-purpose path linking north west Dumfries to the town centre in a bid to encourage people to walk or cycle to work and school.

Dumfries and Gallway Standard