Milnathort athlete Laura Muir stormed her way through the mud and mire of Bellahouston Park to win the Scottish 4km Cross-Country title.
The Dundee Hawkhill Harrier third last year but a winner in 2013 front-ran her way to victory in the demanding underfoot conditions in 13 minutes and 16 seconds, 19 seconds clear of national cross-country champion Madeleine Murray (Edinburgh AC).
With Muir’s sights set firmly on next year’s Olympics, the road to Rio could never have been as soft underfoot as 173 women ploughed their way to the finish line.
“I love to race in Scotland when I can, but I don’t get much opportunity during the summer season,” said Muir.
“I’ve always loved cross country and it is part of my programme towards next summer.
“I enjoy being out there competing against the girls I’ve been racing since I was little and in the youth age groups.
“It is brilliant to see the numbers rising for these events and the women’s race, in particular.
“Getting a progression from teenagers through to senior level is vital for the health of the sport and getting people out competing is important, too.”
Fife AC athlete Stephanie Pennycook, representing Edinburgh University, was fifth and second junior home, while Annabel Simpson seventh place and third junior led Fife AC to team silver, maintaining the club’s record of having medalled every year since 2009.
Simpson was backed up by Angela Richardson 14th, Helen Sharpe 15th and Megan Crawford 19th.
UK champion Andrew Butchart (Central A) made a successful defence of the men’s title in 12 minutes 02 seconds and was pushed all the way by Central colleague Alistair Hay, helping the Stirling club to the team title.
The orange vests of Perth Strathtay Harriers led home the men’s under-17 race, with Sol Sweeney finishing one second ahead of Ben Greenwood.
Fife AC, gold medallists in 2013 and 2014, moved up the ranks to claim team bronze courtesy of Tristan Rees, Adam Scott and Euan Boyle.