Anticipation is growing as deadlines for Dalbeattie’s sporting showpiece of the year draw closer.
And hopes are high that the Hardrock Challenge, staged over the weekend of October 1-2, will attract a good entry.
Competitors can sign up via the SI Entries portal online with a closing date of September 25.
The run and mountain bike duathlon will see the Junior Hardrock Challenge take place on the Saturday.
The senior challenge on the Sunday comprises a longer test – a 16-mile cycle and a ten-mile run which equivalent to a marathon.
Both are organised entirely by enthusiastic volunteers under Dalbeattie Community Initiative.
Co-organiser Stuart Macintosh is confident the event will be a big draw.
He said: “We don’t know for sure how many competitors we’ll get.
“But we are anticipating a pretty good turnout.”
The Hardrock Challenge is the longest running event on the 7Stanes circuit.
Organisers and forestry workers had to clear trees felled by Storm Arwen in December to ensure the event could go ahead.
Traditionally hundreds of athletes of all ages take part in the Hardrock with spectators along the route adding to the atmosphere.
The event start, bike change over and finish will be at the Richorn trailhead car park.
To enter, visit https://www.sientries.co.uk
