An idea we have for a race.

[Arboreal]

I have been thinking of a competition that goes like this:
Here is a topo map, there are 5 different points indicated with judges waiting at each one. You need to run or walk as fast as possible to the different points, and at each point engage multiple targets from 100-1200 yards. No GPS, only map and compass.
Does anyone have any suggestions that will help this go?
Specifically I am wondering how long and hard to make the race, and how much shooting vs moving.

Some thing we have already are:

Private land with permission to run the race
Insurance
Some steel

Right now we are thinking of sometime in March or April 2013

 

[Mendocino]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

Do you mean something like this? http://www.competition-dynamics.com/24-hour-sniper-adventure-challenge-2012/
http://demigodllc.com/photo/24-Hour-Sniper-Adventure-Challenge-2012/

 

[Arboreal]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

Not unless you guys want to come down and run it. The logistics of what you guys do boggles my mind. I am thinking about a simple summer biathalon with long range rifles instead of rimfire. I like the idea of orienteering as part of it as well, but the main focus would be on moving fast and long range shooting. I want to keep it simple at first.

 

[SRSDriver]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

The shoot vs move is an interesting mix. CD did a combat biathlon where a few seconds separated first, second, and third, with 1 mile of running/walking between shooting sections.

I don't know if we could travel down for it(Have family in Tuscon), but if it has enough movement to require more than just pure technical shooting skill, it makes events very interesting, and I think adds a new element - Good shooters try to get more fit, and fit guys try to learn to shoot better, so everyone improves.

 

[Arboreal]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

I think you are right about movement. The biathalon is so popular in Europe and I think it is because they found a good balance between endurance and shooting. It looks like they usually ski 6-8 miles total. I don't know what that translates to in running miles, maybe only 2-3 miles? I think we would want the course to cover more ground than that. I just read the original olympic biathalon events were done with high power rifle and bandoleers. That would be a cool olympic event. I bet some of the Russians had flashbacks when they saw the Finns on skis with rifles so soon after the war.

 

[DangerDario]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

I love the idea. I have a running background and I am new to shooting. These are the type of events I would love to do. I think that there are a lot of guys who would be interested in this.

I think you would want to do a minimum of 2 miles between shooting stations. If you have 5 shooting stations that's 10 miles of total running---that's a challenging but very reasonable distance for most people.

You could also consider adding obstacles or physical challenges along the way (push ups, carrying logs, climbing over stuff, etc). I think you can set these up pretty easily.

I would be glad to help in any way I can.

 

[Here2Learn]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

Competition Dynamics does something very similar like Mendocino said. Without a traveling RO or clearly marked trail you are asking for big problems. Obviously with a clearly marked trail it would negate the map and compass. Traveling RO would probably be the ticket.

 

[jbailey]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

Do it! Sounds great.
Would love it!

Also hoping the guys at CD run another 24H Race in 2013, as I missed 2012 given a family situation that emerged last minute.

 

[Arboreal]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

Guys, here are some pics of a small part of the race site:

http://www.hellsgatetactical.com/race/

Keep the ideas rolling in, especially if you want to be in the race.

These are shots from 0-2200 meters. I'm not sure if anyone has done an ULR foot race yet? I think the first race will be limited to inside 900 Meter targets though.

 

[DangerDario]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

If you really want to make it interesting add a stalking element to the course. You have the terrain for it.

I will finally be able to justify building a ghillie suit.

 

[Arboreal]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

Stalking would be cool but I wonder how a ghillie would work in all of the thorns. Seems like wearing a giant Velcro suit.

 

[DangerDario]

Re: An idea we have for a race.

LOL