Runners sought for unusual Biathlon

By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
May 31, 2002
The Biathlon competition for the State Games of Mississippi will get under way Saturday morning at Camp Binachi just southeast of Meridian off Highway 19.
Ken Reinike of Gulfport is the event commissioner and is encouraging local runners to give the Biathlon a try. Most outsiders think the sport is just for marksman, but it's not according to Reinike.
Most of the competitors are law enforcement officers.
Another noted competitor is 66-year-old William Calvert, Jr.
Entry fee for the event is $25 per person. There will be different classes including one for law enforcement officers only. There will be another class for military personnel and one open class. The event opens at 8:30 a.m.
The basic course layout will have competitors run for one mile, then take a 5-target prone shoot at targets from a distance of 25 meters. Then they will run for another mile, stop and have a 5-target standing shoot. The event closes with a one-mile run.
Don't expect to see people running around with rifles.
Every competitor must attend a mandatory safety clinic prior to competition at 7:30 a.m. They must also bring their own .22 caliber rifles. Those who not have a rifle can reserve one by calling Chris Taft at 1-800-482-0205.