Granite Grit Trail Challenge
Official WebsiteAbout This Event
The Granite Grit Trail Challenge is a 24‑hour ‘last one standing’ race in the rugged Granite Belt. Run a technical 5 km loop every hour on the hour, battling cold winter nights, steep granite outcrops and a 180 m elevation gain. Limited to 100 runners, with a $1,000 cash prize for the ultimate su...
Events
Save it to My races. Free with a MyRaceHub account.
Saturday 21 August
-
5km10am
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, 21 August 2027
- Terrain
- Trail
- Location
- to
- Entry Fee
- Check official website
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start Time
- 10:00 AM
- Good for Beginners
- No – the hourly lap format, night running and technical granite terrain require solid trail experience and endurance.
Free training
Training for Granite Grit Trail Challenge?
Race day is Sat 21 Aug 2027, 42 weeks away. Free training plans start up to 20 weeks before race day, so a plan for it can start from 5 April. Save it now; until then, 12 weeks of building is a good start.
Free with a MyRaceHub account. Saves the race to your races and opens training setup.
Event Details
Course Description
The race takes place on a fully marked 5 km loop set on private property accessed from Eukey Road, Ballandean. The trail weaves through the Granite Belt’s iconic granite outcrops, rocky sections and steep climbs, delivering roughly 180 m of elevation gain per lap. At 750 m above sea level the course offers sweeping high‑country views, but the technical terrain and frequent ascents become increasingly demanding as laps accumulate. Runners must complete each loop within the hour and return to the start before the next bell rings, making pacing and recovery as critical as the trail itself.
Getting There
The event is held on a private rural property accessed via Eukey Road in Ballandean, Queensland. Parking is provided at Ballandean State School, where vehicles have 15 minutes to unload before parking in the designated area. No vehicles are allowed on Eukey Road or within the race precinct. For detailed transport options and exact directions, please visit the official event website.
Where to Stay
Places to stay near the start, priced for race weekend.
We may earn a small referral fee if you book through this map — you pay the same price.
Weather & What to Pack
August is winter in Queensland’s Granite Belt. Daytime temperatures hover around 16 °C, while nights can drop to 2 °C or lower, with frost common at the 750 m elevation. Expect cold, potentially windy conditions and occasional rain. Runners should layer with thermal base layers, a wind‑proof jacket, hat and gloves, and carry a headtorch for the dark hours. Stay hydrated despite the cooler weather and bring extra warm clothing for night laps.
Race details last updated 22 Oct 2026
Ready to run Granite Grit Trail Challenge?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the Granite Grit Trail Challenge?
Registration details, including any fees and deadlines, are not listed in the available information. Please check the official event website for the latest registration instructions.
What gear is mandatory on race day?
A headtorch is required from the 5 pm loop until 7 am. Trekking poles and other artificial aids are not permitted. Runners must also bring enough food, water and personal nutrition for the duration of the event.
Can I have a support crew or receive assistance on the course?
A support crew is recommended but not compulsory. No personal assistance is allowed on the course; support crew, spectators and eliminated runners must stay off the trail while the race is underway.
What are the check‑in and briefing requirements?
Check‑in opens at 6:00 am and closes at 9:00 am on race day. A compulsory briefing begins at 9:30 am, and the first 5 km loop starts at 10:00 am. Late starts are not allowed.
Where can I park and use facilities during the event?
Parking is available at Ballandean State School. Four portable toilets are located near the starting corral, and an aid station provides water. Vehicles have a 15‑minute unload window before parking; no vehicles are allowed on Eukey Road or within the race precinct.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races.
- Stanthorpe parkrun Sat 7:00am · 19 km away · Stanthorpe
More Races in QLD
Is this your event?
Claim Granite Grit Trail Challenge to keep its details up to date — dates, distances, entry fees and course information. Free, and it takes a minute.
- Correct your race's details yourself, any time
- Runners see accurate info when they're deciding what to enter
- Optionally feature your event in search results