Target sprint
What to expect
Target sprint is an exciting new sport that combines running with air rifle shooting. In a standard course, you’ll run 400 metres, then try to hit five knock-down targets with up to 15 pellets from an air rifle. Then you’ll run another 400 metres and shoot again, before a final 400-metre dash to the finish line.
It’s a bit like a biathlon, but there aren’t any skis and you don’t have to carry your rifle (phew).
What you’ll learn
Target sprinting combines running and target shooting, so you’ll need to be ready to combine your skills too. When it comes to shooting, you’ll rely on your concentration, coordination, and accuracy – but you’ll need to be able to dig deep and keep powering on to run to the finish line too.
Fun facts
The International Shooting Sport Federation introduced target sprint in 2013 because they wanted to make target shooting more accessible. A GB team competed in the first Target Sprint World Championships in 2017 in Germany.
Handy hints
- What to wear. You don’t need a fancy uniform or specific shooting gear for target sprinting. Choose athletic clothing you can run in (like T-shirts, shorts and trainers).
- Pace yourself. Why not experiment with slowing down for the last 50 metres of the run? How does giving your heartbeat a chance to recover help when you start shooting?
- Take a deep breath. Pay attention to how the rifle sights move between heartbeats and shoot when you think you’ll be on target.
We’re reworking our safety guidance for adventurous activities to make it easier to understand and follow.
In the meantime, before you try target sprint, review the safety information here.
Safety
Guidance
All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.
Reflection
Target sprinting was a chance to be active. Did people find some parts of the activity more enjoyable than others? Shooting and running are two very different skills. Did people find it easy to master them both? In a competition, the winner might not be the best shot or the faster runner, but the person who balances both. How did people’s breathing affect their performance? Some people may have found it tricky to control their breathing after running fast, even though it helped them to shoot more accurately.
Target sprinting was also a chance to try something new. Had anyone tried any other shooting activities before? Did they find target sprint easier or more difficult? Would they like to try other similar activities?
- It’s up to you how you make target sprint races work – you don’t have to stick to the official format of 400m runs and five targets! You could get creative with team relays.
- If you don’t have access to air rifles, you could give it a go with a nerf gun or even a water pistol. For more information on how to adapt target sprinting on the British Shooting website.
- Target sprint can often be adapted so more people can give it a go. Get in touch with your local provider to chat through the needs of people in your group – make sure you give them plenty of notice.
- British Shooting also has information about making shooting accessible on their website.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
If people want to take target sprint further, they could look for events on the British Shooting website. There are also loads of other shooting activities available, from clay pigeons to muzzle-loaded pistols. Check out the British Shooting club finder and see what’s available near you.