When most shooters imagine biathlon, they think of the winter sport that combines cross-country ski with rimfire rifle firing. There’s a brand new type of biathlon – a true “run-and gun” competition using pistols and rifles. The Gun Run competition is conducted on foot, over natural terrain. There are 5-8 shooting stages along the course. It is usually 5 km (3 miles). It is designed to test physical fitness, marksmanship and equipment. Competitors carry their rifles, pistols, magazines, and ammunition. The distances will vary depending on the match, but usually a marked 5 km course consists of natural terrain, trails, and roads. There are anywhere from 5-8 shooting stages. There are also night events, team events for two people, and a land navigation course that requires map and compass. The Gun Run is neither a CrossFit nor a USPSA competition. This is a challenging competition that tests personal fitness and marksmanship using both rifle and pistol.The Gun Run 2023 Events are listed below with links to sign up pages. The next competition will be held on June 24, 2023, at The Sawmill Tactical Training Complex located in Laurens South Carolina. Here are some comments from TheGunRun.us: Origins of The Gun Run
This is not a new idea… matches of this type originated in Texas twenty years ago and spread across the country. Before that, Colonial Era Americans used to gather on the village square and compete in rifle marksmanship drills. Shooting has been a part of American culture for as long as the country itself. Fitness Challenge
It is not easy to carry all your gear up and down hills in 90 degree weather. It is important to have the right gear and be a good marksman, but it is also important to be fit enough to maneuver with your gear on. All of this will improve your training plan. Every event, whether it’s physical or on the shooting range, should provide you with areas to improve. Sometimes new kit needs to be bought but most often it is our fitness that needs the most improvement.Sponsorship — American Defense Manufacturing (ADM) is a sponsor of The Gun Run. ADM produces fully ambidextrous AR15/AR10 platform rifles as well as QD Mounting Solutions, which are optics and accessories that can be mounted on all firearm platforms.
Tags: AR15, Fitness Biathlon, The Gun Run, The Gun Run, The Gun Run, American Defense Manufacturing
