PEEBLES athlete Jacob Adkin is on a high after finishing a shock sixth at the World Mountain Running Championships in Andorra.

The 22-year-old recent graduate lined up with 105 other national qualifiers from around the globe at the weekend.

And despite a steady start over the gruelling course, the Moorfoot athlete gradually made his way through the field.

Jacob was just edged out of the first European finisher place - crossing the line six seconds behind Norwegian Johann Bugge.

Adkin, who is now coached by former marathon champion Robbie Simpson, told us: "It didn’t hit me straight away where I'd finished - I was too exhausted.

"From fellow GB teammates cheering me on I knew I was up to sixth, but I was so focussed on trying to catch the Norwegian runner ahead that I finished without registering the bigger picture.

"Only afterwards when speaking to teammates and the managers did it start to sink in!

"Having seen most of the course in the days beforehand, and with the finish line at a high altitude, I knew a more conservative start was more appropriate.

"Sticking to this, I was able to work my way through the field over the first half of the race, obtaining a good position to then work hard over the last tough climb to the finish."

Ugandan marathon specialist Robert Chemonges took gold in a time of 55.37, just ahead of countrymen Joel Ayeko and World Junior Cross Country champion Victor Kiplangat.

Chasing home the Ugandan trio was American Joseph Gray in fourth with Bugge edging out Adkin for fifth place.

Jacob was hotly tipped to become one of the best mountain runners in Europe after taking several national titles, under the guidance of Gregor Nicholson, during his teenage years.

And after two seasons of struggling with injury the former Scottish age-group hill running champion is delighted to be able once more to challenge the best in his sport.

Jacob added: "I get much more enjoyment from running now and having a full year free of injury.

"Previously, training could feel like a chore at times, particular when juggling university life as well, but recently I have been able to appreciate the sport for what it is and how much it can give back.

"I have been very lucky to have spent a good portion of this summer living and training in Chamonix in the French Alps, as well as travelling to races in amazing places, and this has only amplified the experience.

"I have also been fortunate to benefit over the last few years from the Borders Athlete Support Programme which helped me through previous injuries and support from Salomon UK."

Jacob returned home to Peebles on Monday but the visit was short-lived as he moves to Keswick in the Lake District this weekend for work and training.