Dalmellington 10k race raises thousands for Cancer Research

Now in its 12th year, the Hillbilly 10k has brought together runners from across the country, with money being raised for Cancer Research UK.

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

The popular race is hosted by Butterfly Events, an Ayrshire-based voluntary organisation committed to arranging events in aid of Cancer Research UK, in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

And the Hillbilly 10k is hosted in Dalmellington, home to organisers Lorna, Brian and David, with an amazing £16,000 raised this time around.

Lorna Dempsey started fundraising following the death of a close friend to breast cancer, and thousands have been raised since the first event in the Doon Valley, with its popularity growing every year.

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Thanking runners, marshals and everyone else for making the event another special one this year, organisers said: "Wow, when I think back to 12 years ago when we started, it was a dream of Brian and David's to show more folk the route they run around our village.

"We only had 65 runners, 10 banana loafs and 10 marshals, but the spirit was there.

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"Fast forward 12 years and there we were today with 400 runners, 50 marshals, a million sandwiches and half a million banana loaves. But the spirit, wow, it tops everything.

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"This year we had a few changes which made me nervous, a new platform online, a new fundraising strategy to raise more for our cause, a new home and a new medical team. These have all been a huge success. It's called CI.

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"We always try to have a community spirit and today it was like no other. Everyone you see helping is either a friend, a family member or someone from our village.

Hillbilly 10k event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"As a family we have learnt to live in the moment but also create special memories and we have all done that today.

Hillbilly 10k event (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"Two of the most special moments are the love which surrounded us today from everyone involved and the amazing amount of money which has been raised on behalf of Cancer Research UK.

"Record-breaking at this event - £16,5000. Outstanding."