The 27-year-old, 2019’s European mountain-running champion, clocked 22:38 for a route including a climb of 1,200ft, getting back four minutes and 16 seconds ahead of Moorfoot Runners clubmate Matthew Sullivan.
Adkin also knocked over a minute off the record of 23:54 set 18 years ago by current Scottish Borders Council leader Euan Jardine and the Galashiels councillor was there to congratulate him and hand over his trophy, accompanied by £80 prize money.
On top of that, Adkin’s girlfriend, Katie Hall, was first female finisher, and tenth overall, in 30:35.
Adkin and Sullivan were among four Borders club-runners to make the top five of the 35-strong entry for this year’s race, the others being Teviotdale Harrier Irvine Welsh, third in 27:51, and Moorfoot’s Andrew Cox, fifth in 28:30.
Edinburgh’s Kieron Ross was first male veteran back, and fourth all told, in 28:11 and Gala Harrier Kate Jenkins was first female veteran, and 21st overall, in 34:26.
Three other Moorfoot members went the distance – Colin Williams, 12th in 31:19; Jennifer Misak, 26th in 37:58; and Martin Holt, 32nd in 42:02.
They were accompanied by eight other Gala Harriers – Isla Paterson, 14th in 32:24; Iain Bell, 18th in 33:42; Bob Johnson, 19th in 33:51; Poppy and Gill Lunn, 28th and 29th in 39:29 and 39:42 respectively; Ross and Lisa Dalgliesh, 30th in 39:50 and 31st in 40:05; and Charlotte Hendry, 35th in 47:40 – and Teviotdale’s Paul Lockie, 34th in 46:03.
1. 2023 Lee Pen hill race
Gala Harrier Poppy Lunn completed 2023's Lee Pen hill race in 39:29, placing 28th Photo: Neil Renton
2. 2023's Lee Pen hill race
Teviotdale Harriers' Paul Lockie finished 2023's Lee Pen hill race 34th in 46:03 Photo: Neil Renton
3. 2023's Lee Pen hill race
Gala Harriers' Kate Jenkins was first female veteran back at 2023's Lee Pen hill race, and 21st overall, in 34:26 Photo: Neil Renton
4. 2023's Lee Pen hill race
Innerleithen's Magda Janus was first local finisher in 2023's Lee Pen hill race, and 25th all told, in 37:34 Photo: Neil Renton