More than 200 athletes enjoyed the 18th Dalbeattie Hardrock Challenge over the weekend.
The popular event saw competitors of all ages battle it out in a duathlon over the trails of Dalbeattie Forest.
The youngsters kicked things off on Saturday before the adults took centre stage on Sunday, their event consisting of a 10 mile run followed by a 16-mile bike ride on the red route of the popular 7Stanes trail.
Event co-founder Stuart Macintosh said it had been a successful weekend – despite wind and rain hindering preparations.
He said: “The Friday setting up was a disaster with the weather, it was the worst ever.
“Saturday went very well. There were just a couple of minor injuries and it seemed to go down really well.
“The senior event was tremendous, the weather conditions were very good and the field was faster than usual – we managed to get finished earlier and to the Kings Arms for the prizegiving.
“There were no incidents and the medical people weren’t required at all, which is a bonus.
“We had a total of 218 names for both days, which is down a bit on the last few years but that’s no surprise with the present economic situation and the price of diesel. Other events have been similarly affected.”
First home in the solo competition was Dalbeattie’s Ally Wight, who improved on his fourth place from last year. The Hardrock Hoodlums member finished nearly 15 minutes ahead of Phil Booth, with the Hoodlums’ Alan Wixon third.
In the women’s event, Creetown’s Charlotte McDowall, who finished third last year, took the honours. The Galloway Hillbillies competitor finished just over two minutes ahead of Dalbeattie Hairy Bikers’ Rebecca Dunn. Third went to Alison Banford of Hartfell Hill Runners.
Adam Park from Thornhill and Bradley Cowan from Dalbeattie repeated their success in last year’s men’s team event, with David Parish and Callum McCubbing second and John Carlisle and Chris Little third.
The first female team was Alison McKean and Ruth Asbery, with Paige Hunter and Lauren Scott second.
