Despite heavy rain and less than summery temperatures, an impressive number of runners turned out for the new event, which was organised by Helensburgh Amateur Athletic Club and replaced the Helensburgh half marathon this year.

The unusual seven-mile distance provided an intriguing challenge for the runners who set off from Colquhoun Square in the heart of Helensburgh, heading out of town before coming back along Rhu Road Higher, across Sinclair Street and following a loop which brought the field into the Hermitage Park finish via Cardross Road and King Street, the final section including a particularly strength-sapping hill for good measure.

Plenty of competitors still showed an impressive turn of speed however, with first place going to Craig Reid of Bellahouston Roadrunners, who clocked a winning time of 38 minutes and 52 seconds.

Portobello’s Gareth Green was just over one minute behind in second place in 39:59, with Helensburgh AAC’s own Chris Moses pushing him all the way to the line in 40:04.

The ladies event was won by Dumbarton’s Nicola Pearson in 45:23.

Race director Damien Theaker added: “I would like to offer my thanks to all of you who turned out early on a grey damp Sunday morning to help make the Helensburgh Summer 7 a successful event.

“We would very much like to thank our title sponsor Babcock, as well as Sweatshop, Helensburgh Toyota and AG Barr for their help in staging the event.