A 5K and mountain bike race this weekend will help make improvements at Paul Grist State Park.

The Blackbelt Benefit Group will introduce its first “Grist Grinder” to benefit the nonprofit group

“We’re just trying to start some outdoor activity around Selma and Dallas County. We want everybody to come camping and have some fun,” BBG member Clay Carmichael said.

People are invited to come up Friday night and tent camp for $25 for the entire weekend. The registration for the 5K or mountain bike ride is $25 for each race or $40 for both.

Last minute registration for the 5K will be from 7 to 8 a.m. The race starts at 8:30 a.m.

Bike riders can register at 9 a.m. That race will start at 10 a.m.

Registration can be done online at gristgrinder.bpt.me. The park is located at 1546 Grist Road between Selma and Plantersville.

BBG member Jeffrey Nichols has been on board since the idea was first mentioned several months ago.

“We wanted to support the local state park by putting on an event that would attract people and bring them into this area so they can see how wonderful the park is,” Nichols said.

Nichols said it is important to keep the park at its best for the community.

“I think we should preserve it because it is God’s creation. It is crucial for it to be maintained so people can witness the natural beauty. I really want to support that,” Nichols said.

He said there has been a good response about the event so far and the group expects it to be a success.

“People should try to stay healthy and what better way to do that than being able to experience the outdoors? I can’t think of a better way to do it,” Nichols said.