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Hardrock Challenge

The Dalbeattie Hardrock Challenge is a duathlon over the classic marathon distance of 26 miles on a course set out entirely within Dalbeattie Forest. It consists of a 10 mile run, followed by a 16 mile mountain bike ride which mostly uses the Red grade ‘Hardrock’ 7Stanes route. The Challenge takes place in early autumn, usually on the first weekend in October. Challengers can enter as individuals, or in a team of two (one runner, one mountain biker). The start, bike changeover and finish is at the Richorn Trailhead Car Park.  Prizes available for several categories from local (Stewartry) men to the team with the greatest combined age!

The event is open to both men and women, and has been well supported in the last four years.  Local athletes have complemented  against entries from further afield, stretching from Somerset to Lochgilphead by way of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Northern England.

This event is gaining in popularity year by year, as can be seen by the increasing number of entries.

There is also a Junior  Event which is usually held on the Saturday, and the Senior Event is on the Sunday .

The Junior Hardrock Challenge course is be based on the  7stanes Skills loop and starts and finishes at the Richorn Trailhead, Dalbeattie Forest.

There are two categories of Juniors, 8 - 11 years who compete over a 500m run and a 3km bike section. The 12 - 15 years complete over a 3km run and an 8km bike section. (All distances are approximate).

Competitors can enter individually and do both the run and the bike sections or in a team of one runner and one cyclist.

The Mountain Bike Stage of the Junior Hardrock Challenge  takes place over Blue Graded Trails. Blue Grades are suitable for Intermediate cyclists or Mountain Bikers with basic off-road riding skills and for Mountain Bikes or Hybrid bikes.

Competitors must provide their own trail worthy bikes and must be wearing a helmet when competing. No Helmet, No Start.

The 2010 Hardrock Challenge is on Saturday October 2 (Junior Event) and Sunday October 3 (Senior Event). If you would like to enter either the Junior or the Senior Event,  you can get an entry form from Dalbeattie Community Initiative office at 71 High Street, Dalbeattie or online at www.dalbeattiehardrockchallenge.org

Below are prizewinners from the Senior Event of Dalbeattie Hardrock Challenge 2009