2018 Rockcastle Run N Gun 5&10k, March 17-18

[Matt in TN]

Just to get on your calendar - there's a lot going on in 2018!

The best place to go for information and discussion is the Facebook Event Page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1694526563922793/?active_tab=about.  If you go there and click "Interested" or "Going" you'll get notifications every time (I think?) someone posts there, and see all of the various discussions and questions asked.  I'll try to repost what I think is important here and in other forums for people who refuse to be a part of Facebook - but the only way to see it all is to be a member there.

To start, here are the basics:

Intro:
 
The 2018 Rockcastle Run N Gun 5&10k is a centerfire biathlon – competitors will complete a 5k or 10k run combined with a shooting competition. The event is a test of man and equipment alike. It is intended to give participants an idea of how being hot, cold, exhausted, and challenged by the environment affects their shooting, and to test the effectiveness of their gear under field conditions. This event is not intended for inexperienced shooters – all participants are expected to be familiar with the operation of their firearms, and to observe basic principles of firearm safety at all times. With the exception of emergencies, Range Officers (ROs) are not allowed to help participants in any way. Good attitudes are a must. If you are the type of person who gets upset when minor changes are made to a plan or when you don’t always get your way, this is not the event for you. 
 
Basics:
 
Participants will receive both a score for their run based on how long it took them to complete the course, and a score for their shooting based on how long it took them to clear each course of fire. The run score and shooting score will be equally weighted in determining the participant’s final score. This is true run-what-you-brung field-style shooting, with only two equipment classes:  “Combat Class” in which you must carry at least 25% of your bodyweight in gear (simulating a full load-out), or “Race Class” in which anything goes.  For the most part, if you want to carry it for 5 or 10 clicks, be our guest.  Shooters are expected to have all their firearms sighted in and all their gear ready to go on the morning of the shoot. There will be no zeroing at the event. Think of this as a test of how you and your equipment would perform in a Second Amendment situation if you had to go take care of business at your current state of readiness, whatever that is. Run order will be more or less random. We will try to be accommodating to participants who wish to share firearms or equipment (we can have one person run in the morning and the other in the afternoon), or to those who wish to run together.
 
Equipment:
 
The only equipment that is strictly required to participate is a safe center fire rifle, a safe center fire pistol, enough ammo to clear the course (at least twice the minimum required hit count is recommended), eye protection, ear protection, a flashlight, and some form of stopwatch.  The rifle must shoot rifle caliber ammo (no 9mm PCC), and the pistol must shoot pistol caliber (no .223 “pistols” for the handgun targets).   Everything else is up to the participant.  Shooters may use any type of gear they want to carry their equipment with, the only requirement being that pistols must be carried in a secure holster that covers the trigger if they are to be carried loaded. Rifles may be carried any way you like, as long as they remain pointed in a safe direction.  You may not use tracers or armor piercing bullets that have a hardened penetrator core, as we will be using lots of steel targets that we don’t want to see damaged.  To be safe – if your bullet attracts a magnet or has a green tip, leave it at home.  
 
Rules:
 
First and foremost, all participants will be expected to comply with basic firearms safety at all times. If you demonstrate inability or unwillingness to follow basic firearm safety, you will be asked to leave, with no refund and no apology. Muzzles must be pointed in a safe direction at all times, and fingers must be off the trigger unless the firearm is pointed at a target. Rifles shall only be loaded when a shooter is at a rifle stage, after the RO has given the “fire” command. Shooters may leave their handguns loaded at all times. However, loaded handguns must remain securely in a holster unless the shooter has been given the “fire” command on a shooting stage.  Some stages will be active, involving moving and shooting.  Firearms may remain loaded during movement, but strict muzzle discipline must be maintained. 
 

Procedures:
 
Every shooter will be given a score card that he will be required to carry through the course.  The card is how we record your score.  Do not lose it or we will not be able to give you a score for the event.  When a shooter approaches a station, he will be required to show a RO an empty mag well and empty chamber on his rifle. If another shooter is currently on the stage when he arrives, the one who just arrived will be instructed by a RO to start his stopwatch to keep track of his wait time (this will be subtracted off the participant’s run time when his run score is calculated). It is purely the shooter’s responsibility to keep track of his wait time. The ROs have no responsibility whatsoever to help you do this. Even if a RO offers to help you keep track of your time, you have no one but yourself to blame if this is not done. When the shooter is ready to shoot the stage, he will hand the RO his score card, and the RO will record his wait time if any. The shooter will be given a quick summary of the course of fire. The RO will ask if the shooter understands the course of fire. If the answer is yes, the shooter will be given the “fire” command, at which time he may load his rifle and/or draw his pistol and begin shooting the stage.  All stages will have a zone where the shooter must fire from -- either a particular hole in a barricade that you must shoot through, or a marked zone on the ground, in which every part of your body or equipment which touches the ground must remain inside of when you fire.  Hits made from outside the designated area will not count toward completion of the course of fire. Every shooting stage will have a 3 minute time limit.  This is to keep the runners moving and to prevent large backups of shooters waiting to shoot a stage.  At the end of that 3 minute period, the shooter will be stopped and time penalties applied to their score for any target not fully neutralized as per the course of fire requirements.  If for any reason the “cease fire” command is given, you will immediately cease fire, holster your handgun, and unload your rifle.  You will do likewise when you complete a stage, or time out. The RO should tell you your time for the stage. The RO will record your time on your score card.  You may want to carry a pen and notepad to keep track of your score in case you lose your card, or if there is a mix-up with the scoring. Every shooter must show a RO an empty mag well and chamber on his rifle before leaving each stage. A RO will give directions on where to go to continue down the trail. Shooters are NOT required to leave their rifle’s bolt open during the run… this is actually discouraged, as it will allow lots of that beautiful Kentucky red clay to accumulate inside the action. There will be ample opportunity for this to happen on the course.
 
The Run:
 
The total course length is 3.2 miles (5k) or 6.2 miles (10k).  The path for participants to follow will be marked with brightly colored flags and/or tape. Shooters must stay close to the marked path. Do not cut corners.  Failure to follow the marked trail may take you into the impact area of a hot range!!!  If the trail takes you through some difficult terrain, this is on purpose!  Parts of the trail will be down a county road.  Keep to the left edge of the road and watch for traffic.   
 
Your Fitness:
 
This event is in a remote area, and you need to be aware of over-exertion. We should have some folks with medical skills on hand, but your health is your responsibility.  If you start having problems, slow down... drink some water... listen to your body!  There is no shame in walking the course; know yourself and your limitations.  
 
Accommodations:
 
Attendees are highly recommended to stay at the onsite lodge for the full experience.  There will be people on site all day Friday, as the ROs will be running the course.  Porta-potties will be on site at most shooting locations.  Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 7:30 a.m Saturday morning.  The safety briefing begins at 7:30 a.m.  Anyone who does not get signed in by 7:30 will not be allowed to participate, so be on time.  The first runner will be sent out at 8:00 a.m., and another runner will be sent out in a uniform interval thereafter. The ROs will have run the course the day before. They will be scored along with all the other contestants. After the last runner has crossed the finish line, we will calculate the results. The winners will be announced, trophies will be given out, and a drawing will be conducted for all the prizes contributed by the sponsors.
 
How to Sign Up:

The registration fee for the Rockcastle Run N Gun is $70 for the 5k and $100 for the 10k.  Registration will be limited in number so all runners can finish the course before dark.  Registration and payment will be handled through Practiscore, and Rockcastle will have you sign waivers the morning of the match.  Make sure you are familiar with all of our rules and procedures before signing up.  All participants must register under their true names.  Tickets are non-transferable.  Pre-registration and pre-payment is mandatory, and no walk-ons will be allowed on match day as space and time is limited. 

Cancellation Policy:

Full refunds will be given if you withdraw more than 30 days before the match.  Half your fee will be refunded if you withdraw between 14-29 days before the match.  NO REFUND will be given if you withdraw less than 14 days before the match.
 
Directions:
 
The start and finish line are both located at the Park Mammoth Resort Lodge at Rockcastle Shooting Center.  The address is 585 Park Mammoth Rd, Park City, KY 42160.  This is almost exactly halfway in between the Nashville International Airport (BNA) and the Louisville International Airport (SDF) – about an easy hour and a half drive from either.

Edited November 20, 2017 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

If you went last year, please note some differences:  we'll be offering a 5k with 5 shooting stages on Saturday and a 10k with 7 shooting stages on Sunday. Competitors can choose to shoot either, or both. There will be separate awards and prizes for each match on each night.

I'm afraid the match fees have had to go up a little to cover costs better, but hopefully it will be well worth it!

More to come soon - registration will open about 90 days prior to the match

And if somehow you've never heard of a "Run N Gun" or a "Centerfire Biathlon" and are wondering WTF this is - here's a short compilation video from last March's match:

 

[Matt in TN]

Just so there is no misunderstanding or misrepresentation:  this particular event is in no way affiliated with the 5th Special Forces Group or the Special Forces Association, Chapter 38 - other than I hope we get some Group guys to come out and play with us.

This is just a fun match with no affiliation (yet?) that will test your resolve, your skills, and your gear at a venue I call "Disneyland For Grown-Ups".  Come on out and play!

[Matt in TN]

 

Samson Manufacturing (http://www.samson-mfg.com/) has signed on as our first obstacle sponsor. Not only are they providing some cool things for the prize table, but they are providing most of the pistol targets we'll be using for the match too. They are an amazing supporter of the shooting sports!!

And they have chosen the mud pits/tubes/barbed wire for their obstacle. Somebody help me come up with a catchy name for this obstacle that includes "Samson Manufacturing".

The other wild card that comes with an obstacle sponsorship: the sponsor gets to add to/design/build that obstacle as they please. I always maintain final veto power as every obstacle has to be "possible" for every competitor and I have to have the time/money budget to actually build it.

[Matt in TN]

Here's the 10k Course Map. We need to do a 50k to get to ALL of the cool shooting locations Rockcastle Shooting Center has to offer, but going to a 10k helps us get to some! (map corrected 11/20/17)

Edited November 20, 2017 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Here's the 5k Course Map. Anyone who has run here before will recognize it is identical to what we ran in September, and pretty darn close to what we did last March. I'm leaning toward making this the LAST time we use this same course - but I'd like to hear from everyone about it:

Would you like the variety of running new places every few matches, or would you rather be able to compare your times on the same course year-to-year to track your progress and see how much you've improved? It's not like the course will get any easier every time you do it!

And if you want new courses - how do you like the idea of carpooling to a remote start line and running in to finish at the Lodge? Or backtracking/crisscrossing in paths that don't necessarily make as much "sense" as a nice loop, but still provide the mileage and get you to interesting shooting locations and obstacles? Rockcastle Shooting Center is so huge and has so many trails the possibilities are almost endless - the only hard part is keeping the mileage down to something reasonable, and keeping anyone from wandering downrange of shooting locations while running.

[Vindicare]

I like the idea of varying the course each time.

I am planning on being at this race. I was so disappointed that I had to miss the match in September.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Matt in TN]

I'm going to do things a bit differently this year: there will be no "blind" stages with the exception of the cave (you'll see!). I'll post every detail of every stage BEFORE registration opens you can not only know what you're getting into and decide if you want to come, but also know what to practice. The entire point of this kind of match is to develop a bunch of skilled marksmen in great physical shape - and if posting a detail of the COF inspires you to train in a new way, then GREAT!

So here's Stage 1: Grenade!!!

The competitor will throw a dummy grenade into a “campfire” (empty tire) around which 3 enemies have gathered, then duck fully behind cover to guard against shrapnel from the grenade. On the buzzer, the RO will call “CLEAR” if the grenade stayed in the tire, and you can consider those 3 targets neutralized and move on. If the RO calls “ENGAGE” the grenade did not remain in the tire and you must put three rifle hits on each target to neutralize. Move to next shooting position and hit 3 targets on the 50 yd rifle plate rack around the left side of the barricade. Move to the next shooting position and hit 3 targets on the 50 yd rifle plate rack around the right side of the barricade. Move to the final shooting position and make three rifle hits each on three targets. Fault lines are set back from edge of barricade to give an advantage to people who can shoot from either shoulder, but close enough that people CAN shoot from the “wrong” shoulder and just be super awkward/contorted. Each side of the barricade and 3 targets on the plate rack will be painted the same color to make it clear which gets shot from where. 10 second FTN penalty if you shoot the wrong targets from the wrong position, or for failing to get 3 hits on a paper target. Paper targets may be moving.

[Matt in TN]

Stage 2: $%#&ing VTAC
Cowboy Town

Begin outside barn. On the buzzer, make three rifle hits on the paper torso to neutralize. Move into barn and make three rifle hits on paper torso outside of barn from within barn. Move to the VTAC Board and shoot any of three 100yd 10” steel targets through all nine ports (one hit through each port). Shoot the targets that are NOT swinging to help ROs make the hit calls. Any hits on “no shoot” targets will add 20 seconds to your shoot score for each target hit.

Training Tip: If you can shoot while moving you will be MUCH faster getting through the first two targets. Just don’t get in TOO much of a hurry as “no shoots” will be nearby to keep you honest. The VTAC barricade is designed to test your ability to shoot a rifle from awkward positions. I highly suggest not only practicing from awkward positions, but understanding exactly where your rifle shoots when it is canted at various degrees. The targets will be small enough and far enough away canted ballistics will come in to play.

Edited October 24, 2017 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

I'm happy to announce ASE Precision (https://www.facebook.com/ASEPrecision/) has signed on as an obstacle sponsor, and chosen the Pistol Bays (Stage 5 for the 5k and Stage 7 for the 10k) for their obstacle location. Dustin Downard (the owner) told me he had a great idea for an obstacle that involves shooting one of his ACRs. It was a punishment in Basic that he wanted to do in an event but "no one wanted to get dirty".

[Matt in TN]

I am thrilled to announce we just signed our first Stage Sponsor: Magpul Industries Corporation (https://www.magpul.com/) has generously donated almost $3,000.00 worth of product to our match!

[Matt in TN]

I am pleased to announce Dillon Precision (https://www.dillonprecision.com/) just signed on as a sponsor. Please thank them for their support of our match!

Edited October 31, 2017 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Stage 3: Booby Traps!
The Cave

Leave your rifle (and pack, if necessary) outside and enter the cave. Move forward on your own, keeping your pistol HOLSTERED, until you see a “Wait Here” sign or find an RO and start your wait time if necessary. You will need a light NOT ATTACHED to your weapon for navigation just to get to the start line – if you do not have a light on your person when you arrive you will not be allowed to enter, and will zero this stage. You may have any type of light you wish, and you may use a weapon light in the stage if you wish – but you CANNOT draw your pistol before you begin the shooting stage. There will be ROs and other shooters in front of you, and they will not respond kindly to having the business end of your pistol pointed at them. On the buzzer, move forward and put three pistol hits on each of 5 targets from marked shooting boxes as you find them to neutralize. Hidden along the path will be multiple booby traps that trigger “claymores” (bright lights). For each booby trap you trigger, 60 seconds will be added to your shoot time. Tread carefully! Any hits on “no shoot” targets will add 20 seconds to your shoot score for each target hit.

[Matt in TN]

The hits just keep on coming - please welcome Zero Bullets as a sponsor!  https://www.rozedist.com/

[Matt in TN]

I am excited to announce Sierra Bullets (https://www.sierrabullets.com/) just joined on as a stage sponsor. They have pledged $1,150 in bullets for our prize table!

[Matt in TN]

OK - after Stage 3 is where the route splits. Here is Stage 4 for the 10k folks. We'll rejoin the 5k people in a few weeks.

Supported Shooting & Moving: 
Pistol Mountain, Stage 4 (10k)

On the buzzer, move to the first position and make one hit on each 10” rifle target at approximately 100, 200, and 300 yds. Move the next position, putting three hits on a paper torso on the way (WHILE MOVING), and hit the same targets again. Move to the final position, putting three hits on a second paper torso on the way (WHILE MOVING), and hit each target one final time. Various means of support will be available at each position for the rifleman to use or not use as they see fit. The three “supports” will be a tank trap, some kind of natural support (tree, rock, etc.), and whatever else I can find nearby for the 3rd.

[Matt in TN]

I'm happy to announce Rockcastle Training (https://www.rockcastleshootingcenter.com/online-store   https://www.facebook.com/rockcastletraining/) has agreed to not only sponsor an obstacle, but design and build it as well! Justin Vititoe already asked me if he could make everyone start a fire with a bow drill as the "obstacle" - I told him we'd be there all day long waiting for people to finish!

I would love to see a hundred bow drills going in the parking lot after the match though. Be sure to come to one of Justin's classes so you can learn how to do it - and post up here some ideas for him to consider for obstacles!

[Matt in TN]

Stage 5 (10k):  Shooter's Choice
Cedar Point

On the buzzer, hit 4 steel pistol targets from first position/barricade strong hand only.  Move to second position/barricade and hit 4 more steel pistol targets weak hand only.  Move to third position (VTAC wall) and hit 4 final steel pistol targets.  The first 12 pistol targets will range from 10 to 25 yds.  Make two hits on a B/C zone steel torso at 50 yds to finish.  Shooter can either make those 50 yd hits with his pistol, or safely holster his hot pistol, unsling and load his rifle, and make those hits with his rifle. 

Training tip:  If you can reliably make 50yd hits with your pistol you'll have a HUGE time advantage over those who have to transition to rifle to make the last two hits.  Put in some practice time making longer pistol hits and it will pay off well!  Oh yeah - practice shooting a pistol strong hand only, weak hand only, and from awkward positions too.  :-)

[Matt in TN]

Stage 6 (10k), which also happens to be Stage 4 (5k):  Sierra Bullets' The Rifleman
Powerline Cut

On the buzzer, make two rifle hits from standing on 10” 120 yd targets, two rifle hits from sitting or kneeling on 10” 200 yd targets, and two rifle hits from prone on 10” 300 yd targets.  Targets will have a high contrast backer to be more easily visible this year, and if nothing goes wrong we'll have two targets at each position so the ROs won't have to try to call hits on an already swinging target.

This is essentially identical to last year's stage at this location.  This is such a great test of the fundamentals of positional rifle shooting I plan to have it as a "standard" stage until everyone is complaining that it's just too easy.  :-)

And please take a moment to thank Sierra Bullets (https://www.sierrabullets.com/index.cfm) for sponsoring this stage and providing $1,150 in bullet certificates for the prize table!

Edited November 29, 2017 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Two week warning: Registration will open at 10:00am Central Time on Saturday, December 16, 2017.

Below are the links to the TWO match registrations. Note that this will be run as TWO SEPARATE MATCHES on consecutive days. Be sure you register for the right match - or register for both if you want to do the unofficial "15k Challenge"!

https://practiscore.com/5k-rockcastle-run-n-gun-2018/register

https://practiscore.com/10k-rockcastle-run-n-gun-2018/register

We've had some issues with people who register and don't show up at past matches, which really sucks for everyone on the waitlist who can't get in. So I'm requiring full payment at the time of registration now. Be prepared to pay your match fee online when you register.

The cancellation policy is firm and no exceptions will be made. It will also likely take several days and multiple communications to get a refund issued, so please be patient if you end up having to go this route.

Full refunds will be given if you withdraw more than 30 days before the match. Half your fee will be refunded if you withdraw between 14-29 days before the match. NO REFUND will be given if you withdraw less than 14 days before the match.

Lastly - I'm trying to simplify match day a little, so I'm collecting all the data I can during registration instead of on match day on your scorecard. This is purely voluntary - but I'd appreciate very much if everyone filled out the registration form completely.

[Matt in TN]

Stage 7 (10k), which also happens to be Stage 5 (5k): Magpul’s Fight To Your Rifle
Pistol Bays

Begin sitting in a chair with your pistol holstered and your rifle unloaded on a table. On the buzzer, hit 5 steel pistol targets while seated. The 5th target will activate a moving paper target, which takes 3 hits to neutralize. Move to next shooting position and hit 5 more steel pistol targets, and once again the 5th target activates a moving paper target which takes 3 hits to neutralize. Reholster hot pistol safely. Retrieve your rifle from the table, load, and hit all six plates on the 50yd rifle plate rack to finish. 10 second FTN penalty for any steel not knocked down or paper with less than 3 hits.

[Matt in TN]

Total required hit count:
68 rifle and 45 pistol (10k)
51 rifle and 31 pistol (5k)

Now you know everything you need to know to decide whether you're going to register December 16th at 10:00am. I'll also post the obstacle details as we get closer, but there will be one obstacle for every shooting stage.

Who is ready???

[Matt in TN]

I wasn't going to share this until later, but with all the discussion it's had on Facebook I figure I need to repost it everywhere so it's fair for those anti-FBers.  You might want to practice this before March if you're going to do the 10k:

[Matt in TN]

Just a reminder - registration opens tomorrow morning at 10:00am central time. This match sold out in 20 minutes last year, so make plans to be there if you want to get in!

Also - please note this is being run as TWO SEPARATE MATCHES: the 5k on Saturday and the 10k on Sunday. You can sign up to run in either, or both. But be sure you sign up for the correct match! 

Here is the link for the 5k registration:  https://practiscore.com/5k-rockcastle-run-n-gun-2018/register

Here is the link for the 10k registration:  https://practiscore.com/10k-rockcastle-run-n-gun-2018/register

Edited December 15, 2017 by Matt in TN

[gjohnsoniv]

Boom, registered.