A record 1511 athletes are on the start-list for the Lindsays Short Course Cross-Country Championships, which take place at Lanark today, marking the highest-ever in the event’s history.

The figure betters the previous best of 1377 entries in 2018.

Favourite for the women’s title is defending champion, Megan Keith, who has been in excellent form this year, becoming European U23 5000m champion and representing GB at the World Championships on the track earlier this summer.

Her main challengers are likely to be last year’s silver and bronze medallists, Kirsty Walker and Jenny Selman respectively, as well as Alice Goodall.

On the men’s side, Ben Potrykus is aiming to successfully defend his title, with Scott Stirling, Jamie Crowe and Duncan Robison all also likely to be in contention.

Lanark Racecourse, which will host today’s event, was the venue for the very first Scottish National XC Championships back in 1886.