Biathlon PEI's recreational race is open to first-timers

Have a need for speed and nerves of steel? Then biathlon just might be for you.

Islanders can take a shot at the sport which combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting Monday at the Brookvale Nordic Centre when Biathlon PEI holds its first-ever recreational race that's open to the public.

Event organizer Lynn Boudreau said a lot of people expressed interest in trying biathlon at a recent official competition.

"So we decided that Islander Day was a great chance to give them that opportunity," she said.

"It's the thrill of being out there and doing that aerobic exercise and then being able to calm down enough to go and shoot and hit those targets."

Some slight adjustments will make it easier for first-timers.

During a typical competition, athletes do two or four bouts of shooting, both standing and prone, or laying down. But at this event, participants will only shoot three bouts in the prone position to give them better control of the rifle.

They will also be able to choose whether they want to do a 3.7-kilometre race or one that's six kilometres.

"It doesn't sound like a long distance but when you add in missed shots and penalty loops it can make it a little bit longer," said Boudreau.

No experience skiing or shooting a rifle is needed, she said. A shooting safety lesson will be held before the event so participants can learn the basics and work in some practice shots.

Gaining in popularity

The sport has grown considerably on the Island over the past decade thanks in part to a new learn-to-ski program and kids' clubs across P.E.I., said Boudreau.

Island biathletes are also making a name for themselves on the international scene.

Mark Arendz, a para-nordic skier from Hartsville, was the first Canadian to win two medals at a Paralympics when he brought home both a bronze and silver in 2014. Most recently he earned a gold and two silvers at a major competition in South Korea.

Up-and-comers Caitlin Campbell and Boudreau's son Lucas Boudreau were two of 16 Canadians who qualified for and raced at the world junior championships in Romania a couple of weeks ago.

"They didn't quite reach their goal, they wanted to be top half," said Boudreau. "But the experience will live on with them. And going forward it just makes them want it more."

Find out more about Monday's event on the Biathlon PEI website.