Hardrock Duathlon 2025

We are thrilled to announce the new Hardrock Duathlon Event for both seniors and juniors in 2025, organised by the Dalbeattie Initiative team of Hardrock Volunteers, following a successful 20-year legacy of the Hardrock Challenge. This year's event features a new logo, new date, new routes, and new prize categories. A big thank you to our 68 sponsors who have contributed to this year's event!
The Hardrock Duathlon is an exhilarating challenge that covers just over 26 miles through the stunning Dalbeattie Forest in Dumfries and Galloway, Southwest Scotland. We're excited to introduce a shorter route this year, allowing competitors to experience the thrill of the challenge that the longer course offers.

The main course includes a challenging 9-mile running section that follows walker trails and forest roads, along with an 18-mile mountain biking section consisting of two laps around the Barnbarroch loop, which is known as one of the most technical sections of the 7stanes. The running route traverses walking trails and forest paths, while the mountain biking route incorporates parts of the 7stanes red trails. This new duathlon option (short route) will take place simultaneously with the main event. The shorter course features a 4-mile run followed by a 9-mile mountain biking section that utilises easier blue-grade trails and fire roads, perfect for getting the adrenaline pumping. This year, we have also opened the event to e-bikes, please follow the guidelines listed on Sientries.

The event is open to competitors of all levels who are ready to tackle the newly designed routes, starting and finishing at the Dalbeattie Townwood Carpark. Competitors have the option to compete as individuals or in teams. All registered competitors will receive a Hardrock-sponsored sports t-shirt and a finishers medal. There are plenty of prize categories, and if you are one of the first three finishers, you will take home a beautifully designed trophy made from Dalbeattie granite with a twist. If you are looking for a biker or a runner to complete your team, check out the Hardrock Facebook page to post a message.

Let’s not forget about the junior Hardrockers! On Sunday, 21st September, the Junior Hardrock Duathlons at Dalbeattie Forest will cater to competitors aged 8-15. Like the senior races, juniors can enter individually to complete both the run and the bike sections, or they can form a team with one runner and one biker. This year, juniors will experience the race using a racing chip, and will receive a finisher's medal plus prizes donated by MPG Cycles for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. A run for the wee Hardrockers (under 8’s) will take place just before the first junior race. The weekend promises to be a fun family event that encourages grassroots-level participation through to national-level participation, as this Hardrock Duathlon includes a designated route for timed qualification for the British Triathlon/Duathlon Team.

At the Event Village, there will be car parking in a nearby field for a charge of £2, which will be donated to a charitable youth group. Amenities include catering facilities, a licensed bar, restrooms, showers, and a first aid tent. Overnight campervan camping is available at the Richorn Trailhead carpark for a fee payable to Forestry Land Scotland. Additionally, our professional MC, 'Mac the Mic', will keep everyone informed and entertained throughout the event. We encourage spectators to grab a cowbell from the registration tent to cheer on our brave competitors as they cross the finish line! Limited merchandise will be on sale over the weekend, but if you can't wait until then, the new Hardrock online shop is now open. The 2025 hoody featuring our sponsors will be available for sale starting the week of 15th September. https://www.conistonshop.com/Hardrock-Challenge_722