GLBA proposes summer biathlon at Island Lake Rec
Wed, Oct 13, 2010 - By Mike Muha
Like to run and shoot guns? A newly-formed Great Lakes Biathlon Association (GLBA) submitted a proposal to the Island Lake Shooting Range just west of Brighton, Michigan, to hold a summer biathlon in 2011...and the Shooting Range has been very receptive to the idea.
Race Director and founder of the GLBA Ron Marvin of Farmington Hills found the venue: "The Island Lake facility is clearly well suited for this format as an overhead view [below] reveals a 1 mile path in place for the run portion of this event with a brief additional walking path afforded leading to the shooting positions."
Overhead view of venue
Racers will run three 1-mile loops, with shooting stops between loops:
- 1 mile run
- 1 shooting stop - prone
- 1 mile run
- 1 shooting stop - standing
- 1 mile run
Says Marvin, "For each of the two shooting stops, athletes will walk to empty rifles previously placed at the firing line at designated and numbered shooting mats all the while under the supervision of range safety officers to the satisfaction of Island Lake management. Racers would then load a 5 shot magazine and have 5 bullets to hit 5 biathlon targets placed 25 meters down range."
Detail of shooting range area
The GLBA has already purchased 10 new target rifles for this event and is in the process of getting biathlon targets. More purchases are planned.
And just one summer biathlon? The hope is that a single event could turn into a series, and a summer event could lead to winter events on skis.
During a recent rainy site visit, a group of us used a golf cart to travel around the proposed venue. Here's a few pictures...
The path path below is a single lane gravel road that circles the complex. It will make for a great running surface.
Ron Marvin points out where runners leave the running loop and enter the stadium to Lori Howard and Daren DeCavitte.
On the hill overlooking the stadium area: