A trio of events in the Southern Downs will make for adventurous’ dream

It’s not too late to sign up for a weekend of adventurous sporting events that will get you sweaty and smiling. Full details here:

An action-packed weekend ahead for the Southern Downs. Photo: Cade Mooney / Sunshine Coast Daily

Three massive sporting events will take place across the Southern Downs this weekend, with competitors expected to make the most out of the cool conditions.

The Granite Belt Grunt and Grind Fest

This two-day event held in Stanthorpe offers an afternoon of mountain biking followed by trail running events the next day.

Day one will see riders navigate undulating terrain of Mount Marlay in a race against the clock.

Riders can take on as many or as little of the five stages as they like.

The ride kicks off at 1pm Saturday.

Map of the five tracks on offer (Supplied: Grunt and Grind Facebook)

Day two kicks off with three trail-running events setting out from the Granite Belt Brewery.

With races between 5.5km to 20.8km (and a free 2km race for kids) runners will take in some of the best trails around Broadwater State Forest.

While offering competitors a challenge, event director Andrew Bonney said Grunt and Grind was really an opportunity for people to give mountain biking and trail running a go.

“It’s quite laid-back and very family oriented so any one in the community can get involved,” he said.

Bonney said it was the first time they had run the even in Stanthorpe and were hoping to grow involvement next year.

“We’ve had lots of support from the locals and the council,” he said.

“We’re really wanting to bring trail running to the area.”

Registrations close at midday Saturday.

More information about the event can be found on their website.

Warwick Pentathrun

Run a marathon (that’s 42.1km) over five events in two days at this cult event.

Competitors can pick and choose to enter as many or as few events as they would like.

Events range from the 1500m Voyage Fitness run to the Black Toyota Half Marathon.

Runners will even take in the stunning scenery at Queen Mary Falls with Race 4 kicking off near Killarney State High School and then climbing all the way to Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park and Cafe.

With a total distance of 10km, Race 4 starts off with a flat 3km stretch before the route gets steep and heads uphill.

President Karen Gilchrist was athletes were excited to hit the road after last year’s COVID cancellation.

“Most of our athletes competed in virtual events last year, so they’re really looking to coming back,” she said.

While the two-day event was still a challenge, Gilchrist said Pentathrun had a casual and relaxed vibe.

“It’s not as competitive as some of the events in Brisbane,” she said.

Earlier this month, the event confirmed it had almost 1900 competitors preparing to take their marks on the weekend.

Registrations are still open and full details for the Warwick Pentathrun can be found on their website.

Border Ranges Trail Ride

Organised by Killarney State School parents and carers’ organisation, this motocross day kicks off early with gates opening at 6am Sunday.

Crews spent last weekend marking out the track and reported the conditions were “close to perfect”.

Riders will be able to traverses almost 40km of bush track with both an easy and a difficult loop on offer.

Entries for the race have closed but spectators can still check out the action.

For more information, contact Killarney State School on 4664 6333 or email [e-mail].