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Recce Ridge Run and Gun

Date: November 2, 2024 | Location: South of Rocky Ridge, UT

Test Yourself.

Welcome to the Recce Ridge Run and Gun, a joint event with Utah Shooters and Call’s Fort Training Group, where your endurance, marksmanship, and equipment will be put to the test. Navigate a challenging course, tackle unique rifle and pistol stages, and push to the finish line. This event is not for the faint-hearted but for those ready to prove their training in a realistic environment.

“Run and Gun” courses are biathlon-style events that include both a running / rucking element along a designated course and multiple shooting stages set along the course that utilize natural terrain features and unique firing positions. Due to the nature of the event, all equipment for the event must be carried by the athlete, including all weapons, ammunition, and sustainment (water, nutrition, tools, etc.). Additionally, unique scoring and rules make Run and Gun events challenging and a ton of fun.

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Event Highlights

  • Course Options: Run the grueling 10k course or opt for the equally challenging, but shorter, 5k course (limited availability).
  • Shooting Stages: Engage in rigorous rifle and pistol stages designed to test your marksmanship under physical.
  • Divisions: Compete in Men’s, Women’s, and Over 50 categories.
  • Kids’ Course: A specially designed .22 lr stage for youth (under direct parental supervision), ensuring they can experience the challenge in a safe environment.
  • Prizes: Earn your place on the prize table by demonstrating superior fitness and marksmanship.
  • Challenging Terrain: Tackle a demanding course that will push your limits and challenge your readiness.

Schedule

November 1, 2024

  • RSO Training & Setup:
    • Stop-the-Bleed class and course training
    • RSOs get the chance to run the course (with eligibility towards prize table)

November 2, 2024

  • First Heat Kickoff: 7:00 AM
  • Awards: 5:00 PM (or later depending on completion times)
  • .22 Youth Course: Forthcoming

Ready to test yourself?

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An Intro to Run and Gun

In our biathlon-style event, competitors will carry both a rifle and a pistol as they run a predetermined course and periodic courses of fire. Courses vary in distance and are designed to test both your physical endurance and marksmanship skills.

Many events will have two options for competing: a longer course and a shorter course (with limited slots). Longer courses typically cover around 6 miles with 6+ shooting stages, where you’ll encounter targets at a maximum range of 650 yards, and you can expect to make an average of 50 hits with your rifle and 50 with your pistol. If you’re looking for something slightly less intense but still demanding, the short course typically spans about 3 miles and includes 5 shooting stages. The maximum range here is 500 yards, with an average of 40 hits required for both rifle and pistol.

Each competitor will be assigned a unique start time to enter the course. Once you’re on the course, resupplying is not permitted, so make sure you come prepared. As you move through the course, you’ll encounter several shooting stages. These stages could require you to use only your rifle, only your pistol, or a combination of both. You’ll have 3 minutes to complete each stage, and failing to do so within the allotted time will result in a Did Not Finish (DNF) status.

Each stage has its own unique layout with varying numbers of targets at different distances. Pistol targets typically range from 15 to 50 yards, while rifle targets can be anywhere from 75 to 500+ yards. You’ll need to quickly adapt to different target sizes, shapes, and distances. Some stages may require you to move or transition between different shooting positions and weapons, adding to the challenge.

Safety is paramount throughout the event. While running on the course, your rifle must remain unloaded without a magazine inserted, whereas your pistol can be carried loaded in a holster. Competitors will be checked for compliance at the start, finish, and at the entry and exit of each stage. ROs (Range Officers) will ensure that you move with the safety on, your finger off the trigger, and the muzzle pointed downrange. Failing to adhere to these safety protocols will result in disqualification.

Scoring in our competitions is balanced between your shooting accuracy and running time, each shooting accounting for 50% and running accounting for 50% of your overall score. This dual focus ensures that both your marksmanship and physical fitness are equally tested.

By understanding and preparing for these aspects, you’ll be ready to take on the tough but rewarding challenge of our biathlon-style event. Get ready to push your limits and see how you measure up!

Required Gear

Rifle

A semi-auto rifle (AR, AK, etc.) chambered in 5.56/.223 or larger (no steel core, max 3,200 FPS) with sufficient magazines and ammunition (at least 50 hits are required, so bring more ammo than that). There are no limitations on optics, muzzle devices, bipods/tripods; as long as you can carry it the whole course, you can bring it. 

Pistol

 A semi-auto handgun chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP with sufficient magazines and ammunition (at least 50 hits are required, so bring more ammo than that). There are no limitations on sights, compensators, etc.  

Kit

The following items of kit are required:

  1. A means to carry your magazines and ammunition (plate carriers are not required);
  2. A means to carry supporting items (water, nutrition, tools, etc.);
  3. A rifle sling;
  4. A hard, belt-mounted handgun holster that securely holds the weapon (SERPA holsters and “soft” or nylon holsters are prohibited);
  5. Eye and ear protection; and
  6. Appropriate footwear and clothing.

Range Officer Program

Overview

Our Range Officer (RO) program is vital to the success of our events. Without ROs, our events would fall apart. Each shooting stage of the event will have multiple ROs tracking, among other things, safety compliance, scoring, and runner check-ins and check-outs. 

Training

ROs will be provided on-site training in advance of the event, which will include a “stop the bleed” course. 

Benefits

In addition to a “stop the bleed course” and event-specific training, each RO will receive free registration for the event, will have the opportunity to run the full course the day before the event, and time will count toward prize table eligibility. 

Event Rules and Regulations

Safety Briefing

  • All participants must attend an on-site safety briefing prior to the event. No individual or private safety briefings will be provided.
  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult/guardian at all times while on the course and event premises.

Range Officers (ROs)

  • ROs have full authority during the event and can stop any competitor or spectator displaying unsafe behavior.
  • Disagreements with ROs can be noted and reviewed by the Match Director (MD) after the event.
  • Compliance with ROs’ instructions is mandatory for all participants.

Course and Markings

  • The course will be approximately 10k with an option for a shorter 5k. It includes multiple shooting stages.
  • The path is marked with flags, banners, and directional arrows. Participants must follow the marked path without taking shortcuts.
  • Red barricades and flags indicate restricted areas. Entering these areas is strictly prohibited.

Weapons and Ammunition

  • Rifles must remain clear (unloaded) while on the course. Loading is permitted only when instructed by an RO.
  • Pistols may be carried in condition 1 (loaded and holstered) but must only be drawn when instructed by an RO.
  • Only hard retention-style holsters are permitted. Soft/cloth and chest holsters are not allowed.
  • Dropped pistols or pistols that fall out of holsters will result in disqualification.
  • No green or black tip (armor-piercing), tracer, or steel core ammunition is allowed. Participants’ ammunition will be checked at the start and at each stage.
  • Negligent discharges, accidental discharges, or flagging of any person will result in immediate disqualification.
  • No fully automatic firearms are allowed. Caliber restrictions are 9mm-45cal for pistols and .223-.308 for rifles. Pistol caliber carbines (PCC) may not replace pistols but can be used for rifle stages.

Equipment

  • Dropping any equipment or picking up any equipment along the route will result in disqualification.
  • Competitors must complete the course with all gear brought onto the course. Dropping or abandoning gear will result in disqualification.

Start and Check-In

  • Participants must check in at the registration table to receive their start time and safety brief participation band.
  • The RO at the start will verify a clear rifle, ammunition, and proper holster before allowing entry onto the course.

Shooting Stages

  • Participants will only shoot at designated stages and must follow the stage descriptions provided.
  • Upon arrival at each stage, participants must show a clear rifle to the RO and follow all stage-specific instructions.
  • Each stage may require transitions between rifle and pistol, and all movement must be conducted safely with the safety on and finger off the trigger.
  • A 180-degree rule for muzzle direction must be maintained at all times (unless directed otherwise in a stage brief or by a RO).

Scoring

  • This is a “time+” event where times under the par time are recorded. Anything over the par time will result in a Did Not Finish (DNF).
  • Competitors may use as many rounds as necessary to engage all targets with the required number of hits.
  • Scoring is weighted 50% on the shooting portion and 50% on running time.

General Conduct

  • Any cease-fire commands, especially in the presence of wildlife, must be obeyed immediately to avoid disqualification.
  • Refunds will not be given, but competitors may defer their registration to a future event.

By adhering to these rules, we can mutually ensure a safe, fair, and challenging competition for all participants.