The Callaghan Winter Sports Club (CWSC) is planning to prove that you don't necessarily need snow to enjoy the sport of biathlon.
The group will host two summer biathlon events at Whistler Olympic Park (WOP) and is inviting the community to take part.
It all kicks off on Aug. 28 with the cross biathlon, in which participants will run and target shoot at WOP. The cruiser division will see athletes run 1.5 kilometres, while the challenge athletes will run 2.7 kilometres.
The cross event will be followed by the bike biathlon on Sept. 18. The course for the bike race will be on paved trails and feature three different divisions. The cruiser category will see participants bike 2.7 kilometres, the challenge division will be 4.5 kilometres and the quest category tops out at nine kilometres.
Participants will receive rifle safety training, target shooting instruction and an opportunity to practice before the event kicks off. Rifles and ammunition are all provided, with the rifles being placed on mats at the shooting range while participants either bike or run around the course.
"These events have been designed with fun and participation in mind," said organizer Clayton Whitman. "There will be no timing or results, so everyone is free to go at a safe and enjoyable pace."
Event day check-in for both races begins at 10:30 a.m., with a rifle safety instruction lesson at 11 a.m. and races starting at 11:30 a.m.
There is a cost of $25 to enter and both events are open to anyone ages 10 and up.
The CWSC is also looking for 20 volunteers for each of the Summer Biathlon Series events to help with registration, course, first aid and the range. Volunteers are needed to help set up at 9:30 a.m., and light snacks will be provided. Those interested in volunteering can contact Whitman at [email protected].
For more information on this event, visit www.callaghanwintersportsclub.com.
