That marked an improvement of two places and a minute and 16 seconds on his showing as an under-17 last year, however.
Hilton was one of only two Borderers to finish in the top ten of a field of 59, the other being a fellow under-20, Hawick’s Irvine Welsh, tenth back in 28:34.
Two further runners from the region made the top 20, both clubmates of Hilton’s – veteran David Carter-Brown, 17th in 29:57, and under-17 James Moore, 18th in 30:00.
Saturday’s 3km junior version of the hill race was won by Edinburgh’s Josh Daunt in 12:32, with Moorfoot’s Jack Foley second in 12:45.
1. Cademuir Rollercoaster 2023
Hawick's Irvine Welsh, representing Gala Harriers, was tenth in Saturday's Cademuir Rollercoaster race at Peebles in 28:34 Photo: Neil Renton
2. Cademuir Rollercoaster 2023
Moorfoot Runners' David Carter-Brown finished 2023's Cademuir Rollercoaster race at Peebles 17th in 29:57 Photo: Neil Renton
3. Cademuir Rollercoaster 2023
James Moore was 18th back in 2023's Cademuir Rollercoaster race at Peebles, clocking half an hour exactly Photo: Neil Renton
4. Cademuir Rollercoaster 2023
Moorfoot Runners under-15 Jack Foley was second in 2023's Cademuir Rollercoaster 3km junior race at Peebles in 12:45 Photo: Neil Renton