2019 Rockcastle Run N Gun 5k & 10k: March 16-17, Park City, KY

[Matt in TN]

I can't believe it's time to start work on this already...but just to get on everyone's calendars:  the best place to keep up with match stuff by far is the Facebook Event Page at https://www.facebook.com/events/334228037135577/?active_tab=about.  Click "Going" or "Interested" and you'll see all the questions and answers from everyone about the match.  Do be sure to check your notification settings, as Facebook changes the rules on that all the time and thinks they know best about what you want to see - I've missed several notifications because of that in the past.

For anti-FBers, I'll try to repost what I think is the important stuff in several public forums (this being one of them!).  So here goes:

Intro:
 
The 2019 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 FINISH the course with 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:
 
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, 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 and any penalties.  You may want to carry a pen and notepad to keep track of your score in case 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 the morning of the  match.  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 random 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 January 14, 2019 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

For those who have attended the Legion 9/11 Memorial Run N Gun - I think of the March match as the "opposite" of that match. Legion is "real world" and is a benefit for a very deserving group of people.

March is a fun and simple (not "easy"!) skills test in which you can test yourself and your gear. Everything about it will be published well in advance so you can train up to meet the challenge. The prize table will be completely random draw - because you really are just competing against your Self at this match. And other than a small portion to cover my costs, the only benefactor is a very deserving Rockcastle Shooting Center.

So who's in?

[Matt in TN]

I am pleased to announce Tactical Tailor has just signed on as an obstacle sponsor.  They make some top-notch Made in the USA gear that I think will do VERY well for Run N Gun folks!  Take a look at what they have to offer, and if you place an order be sure to thank them for sponsoring the match while you're there.

https://www.tacticaltailor.com/

[Matt in TN]

It's time to start trickling out the details -

The obstacle at Stage 1 will be the same as last March: Barbed wire crawl, then mud pits, then climb up one of two tubes. There will be knotted ropes in each tube. And then...

Stage 1: Strong or Accurate?

Begin with a single steel B/C zone torso target 50 yds away. On the buzzer, draw your pistol and make two hits on the target from 50 yds. Pick up a kettlebell and throw it toward the target. You can either safely holster your pistol and throw it two-handed, or keep your pistol pointed in a safe direction while throwing it one-handed. Wherever the kettlebell lands is your next firing position – move forward and make two hits on the target from there. Repeat this exercise once more for a total of three firing positions and 6 pistol hits on the steel.

Safely holster your pistol and carry the kettlebell back to the 50 yd line, then perform the “X-Drill” with your rifle: From behind the barricade, make two hits from the standing position around the right side of the barricade (right shoulder), two hits from kneeling around the left side of the barricade (left shoulder), two hits from kneeling around the right side of the barricade (right shoulder) and two hits from standing around the left side of the barricade (left shoulder).

[Matt in TN]

I'm going to jump around a little as some stages are still in development.  This one is the epitome of a "simple skills test":

Stage 4 (10k Only):  Dueling Tree
Make 6 hits on a deuling tree with your strong hand only, then make 6 hits with your weak hand only.  If a target is hit and flips back that counts as a hit.  If a target gets stuck halfway (and is unavailable to shoot again) that counts as a hit - just shoot another plate so there are 6 hits total with each single hand.  Dueling tree will be placed from 7-10yds away as the terrain allows.

Edited October 29, 2018 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

I'm pleased to announce Hornady has signed on as a stage sponsor, and will sponsor Stage 7 (10k) or 5 (5k): Hornady's Key To Jimmy's Heart.

Begin with your rifle locked in a box. Choose a key off the table (based off a hint you’re given by the RO - which will test how well you think when exhausted). Hit 3 pistol steel on the way to the box, then safely reholster your pistol and unlock the box. If the key you chose does NOT work, return it to the table and choose another key. Re-engage the three pistol targets each time you return to the box with a new key. Unlock the box, retrieve your rifle, and kick down the door to enter the rifle shooting area. Make 3 hits each on 3 paper targets (one of which is a swinger), then hit all 6 plates on a rifle plate rack to finish the stage.

https://www.hornady.com/

[Matt in TN]

I'm happy to announce Dillon Precision Products, Inc is back for their second year as a sponsor, and has stepped up their level of support to be an Obstacle Sponsor!

This week's stage is the "old standard". I've promised to keep doing this one until everyone complains it's too easy:

Stage 4 (5k) or 6 (10k): The Rifleman
Powerline Cut

Hit two 10" targets at 100 yds from Standing, two 10" targets at 200 yds from sitting/kneeling, and two 10" targets at 300 yds from prone.

Photo by Lisa Stennett

[Matt in TN]

I am thrilled to welcome Samson Manufacturing back for their third year as an obstacle sponsor. Samson does so much to support the shooting sports, and makes some really good gear too - check them out and see if you can return the favor. Big thanks to Bryan Ray and Brian Vaught for being excellent ambassadors for them and always being up for a new challenge!

https://www.samson-mfg.com/

This week's stage comes from the evil mind of Rusty Trumble:

Stage 2: Improvised Support
Cowboy Town

Begin in the barn, with three targets at 40-50 yds – stage is all rifle. On the buzzer, drop to prone on a wobbly platform. Make one hit from the right shoulder around the right side of two cones. Make one hit from the left shoulder around the left side of the cones, and one hit in the center between the cones. Put the rifle on safe and set it down facing downrange, then sprint 40 yards (out and back). Retrieve your rifle and move to the car door, where you will repeat the right, left, center pattern using the car window as a support from approximately kneeling height. Safely ground the rifle and sprint another 40 yards. Make one hit from the right shoulder using the right side of the barn opening as a brace. Make one hit from the left shoulder using the left side of the opening as a brace. Make one hit using a strap strung across the opening as a brace – all at approximately standing height.

"Sprint" may have different meanings for you depending on your fitness level. You'll know you're pushing hard enough if you really NEED the improvised support to make the hits.

Photo, of course, by Lisa Stennett

[Matt in TN]

Everyone simulates shooting from a boat with a wobbly platform - we're really going to do it!

Stage 5 (10k Only): Maritime Operations
The Pond

On the buzzer, climb into the jon boat and pull yourself forward in the pond using the supplied rope until you can see the six rifle targets in the distance: two skinny sammies and four 10" flashers placed from 50 to 200 yds. Make one hit on each target. Pull yourself back on your run time.

It being March, I will not require you to get wet. If you fall out of the boat it's on you. And no, you cannot just plunge into the pond and shoot the targets while standing in the water.

Edited November 28, 2018 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Registration will open two weeks from today at 10:00am Central Time on Saturday, December 15th. Full payment is due when you register. Last year the 5k sold out in 17 minutes and the 10k took a few days to sell out - so make plans to be near a computer with a credit card when it opens if you want to get in!

Here's the 5k registration link.  Total required hit count for the 5k is 38 rifle and 30 pistol (24 if you listen well). Yes - the round count is low. This is a simple skills test, not a hose-fest. You will be well tested.

https://www.practiscore.com/5k-rockcastle-run-n-gun-2019/register

Here's the 10k registration link.  Total required hit count for the 10k is 44 rifle and 42 pistol (36 if you listen well).

https://www.practiscore.com/10k-rockcastle-run-n-gun-2019-clone-1/register

A full Course of Fire, Map, and rules are available as downloads at the registration link on Practiscore. You will need a Practiscore login to register - don't wait until the 15th to get one.

Edited December 1, 2018 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

I am thrilled to announce Magpul Industries Corp. is back this year as a Stage Sponsor. They will bring you Rusty Trumble's evil Stage 2: Magpul's Improvised Support.

https://www.magpul.com/

[Matt in TN]

Just a reminder - registration opens at 10:00am central time tomorrow morning.  The 5k sold out in 17 minutes last year.  Get in while you can!

5k link:  https://www.practiscore.com/5k-rockcastle-run-n-gun-2019/register?fbclid=IwAR0uc0KuRLvd_dYoJGpAKgvGgQgEj0O0tLtFacROgY_Z2sKKz36Q1vXdj4M

10k link:  https://www.practiscore.com/10k-rockcastle-run-n-gun-2019-clone-1/register?fbclid=IwAR34-UcIOSizv5IxPAuQ0bU1WypupMl4CGL2uBXFyxjT6CVtSUmtDRXIMIc

Edited December 14, 2018 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Being a small part of someone else's "life changing event" has been the biggest surprise and is now my favorite part of hosting these matches.

FB settings made sharing this difficult, so I faked it with a screenshot and permission from Jackson. This dude poured every ounce of energy and willpower he had into the course last year - and now he's down 70 lbs and crushing triathlons!

Who will be next???

[Matt in TN]

So you want to know who you're up against? We have 157 total competitors (81 5k and 76 10k), including staff. 23 of these nuts are going to run both races for the "15k Challenge".

We have people coming from TWENTY different states to our little piece of Kentucky at what I like to call "Disneyland for Grownups" - better known as Rockcastle Shooting Center.

Below are some basics on the competitors. If you haven't already, please visit your match management link on Practiscore and be sure your information is complete and correct. It will help me do more things like this going forward!

Edited January 4, 2019 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

I am pleased to announce Resiliency Outreach, Inc. will have three shooters running with the Staff on Friday, and CEO and former 5th Special Forces Group Sergeant Pat Russell will be on hand to talk about his various projects helping veterans on Saturday and Sunday.

Money is always appreciated, but there are many other ways you can help if you want to get involved. Check out https://resiliencyoutreach.org/ for more information.

Edited January 7, 2019 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Some of you planning ahead and paying attention noticed a small blurb in the Course of Fire (downloadable on the Practiscore match page):  "Get yourself and all your gear over a 6’ high wall" and had some questions and concerns.  I'm posting here to make it fair for everyone.

Yes, there will be a 6' high wall.  Getting over a wall is a very real-world applicable skill and is something I definitely want to test.  It will be vertical - no angles.  It will have NO ropes, steps, handholds, etc. - it's just a wall.  It will be 8' wide to allow more than one competitor to go over it at a time.  But still - if you're struggling with the wall and another competitor comes up behind you, give them some room and learn from how they get over - then copy them!

There is no "bypass" or "take the penalty and go on" provision for this or any other obstacle.  You must complete it in order to continue.  My ROs on-site have the authority to modify the challenge on a case by case basis as necessary - but only in very extreme situations (such as if a competitor has no arms).

Make plans to figure out a way to do this, using only the gear you carry and your body itself.  You are more than welcome to use a ladder - but you have to carry that ladder throughout the entire course!  My hope is that everyone easily flies over the 6' wall this year, and we raise it to an 8' wall next year.

Here are some good examples for techniques you might want to try:

 

[Matt in TN]

Tactical Tailor committed to send $500 worth of gear to be an obstacle sponsor - but then actually sent me almost $1,300 worth of gear. So I'm bumping them up to a full Stage Sponsor, of course! They sent 3 each of their covert rifle cases, shooters mats, and gym bags - and they look to be super high quality! Be sure to thank them and don't forget to look to them if you need any great RNG gear.

https://www.tacticaltailor.com/

[Matt in TN]

Reminder: you will need a light of some kind to navigate and shoot in the cave (Stage 3). If you show up without a light you will not be allowed to shoot and will be given a zero for the stage. Weaponlights are fine to shoot with, but you'll also need a separate light to navigate parts of the cave before the shooting starts. I don't care if you carry a giant spotlight with a 12V truck battery, but you must carry it for the entire course!

If you've never been to the cave before, here's a preview video from 2017 (the names are different, but the basics are the same this year) that will give you a better idea what to expect:

https://youtu.be/hq52C43sXD4
 

Edited January 22, 2019 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

I'm having a "Run N Gun Work Day" at Rockcastle on Sunday, February 10th. All are welcome to lend a hand and help, and in return you'll get to see and practice on these things. I'll even have a small kayak on-hand to be sure the shooting lanes work for the boat stage. If there's time you can even run the (unmarked) course if you'd like for practice.

You'll be digging post-holes to make a more sturdy barbed wire crawl at Doe Valley and a stepped balance beam at the Cave, assembling and setting the wall at the powerline cut, and clearing around the pond and testing for the boat stage. And depending on storm damage, possibly clearing some trees from the trail if needed. Or deciding to leave them as natural obstacles.

You can come for an hour or all day - anything will be appreciated! Just let me know so I'm not out in the woods for hours while you're waiting at the Lodge and looking for me.

Edited January 24, 2019 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

The Wall is built. I don't understand why Trump is having such a hard time with this - it only took me a couple hours. You think I can get some of that $20 million gofundme money???

Here's a few ways you might use to get over. Get creative, and you can totally do this!

 

Edited January 26, 2019 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

I've had a couple questions about scoring and rules. When in doubt, read the "Rules & Procedures" PDF available for download on the Practiscore Match Page. But here are the three big ones:

 

1. Your rifle must be UNLOADED when not actively shooting. If you are found with a round in your chamber or a magazine inserted in your rifle while running, you will be DQ'd and not allowed to finish the course. Bolts can remain closed to keep the dirt out, but you can NOT have a magazine inserted (even an empty magazine).

 

2. You CAN carry a loaded pistol in a secure holster, but if at any point in the course that loaded pistol comes out of the holster and hits the ground, you are DQ'd and cannot finish the course. This happens to some poor soul at almost every match, so be sure your holster is secure before you load up and go. If you carry your pistol unloaded and it falls - we'll just laugh at you and tell you to pick it up. YOU weigh the risks and rewards, and make your own decision on how to carry your pistol. You will NOT be given time to "load and make ready" before starting a shooting stage - you'll have to do that after the buzzer goes off. "Loaded" for the sake of this match means anything in the pistol - even a loaded magazine with an empty chamber.

 

3. Half of your score will be based on your net run time (overall run time minus any wait time you have), and half will be based on your shooting scores from all stages combined. So you must BOTH run fast and shoot well to score well.

 

RNG Veterans - have I forgotten anything?

RNG Newbies - do you have any questions or concerns?

[Matt in TN]

You guys can thank Bryan Ray for this: We're adding a rope climb as a "bonus" obstacle. Finish your race, take of your gear, and head over to the rope IF YOU SO CHOOSE. If you can climb the rope and ring the bell, we'll knock 10 minutes off your run time. This will be a 1.75" diameter poly rope 12' - 15' high. 
Climbing a rope is an important real-world skill, and I want to reward those who can do it!

Speaking of obstacles - I also want to give a great big THANK YOU to Bryan Ray and his son Thomas, Ben Wolf, Ashley Edgcombe, Matt Webb, and my dear wife Lisa for spending a cold rainy Sunday with me building obstacles. The wall, the barbed wire crawl, and the balance beam are all on-site and available for training if you want to head up there - just check in with the Lodge first before wandering the property.

I'm really happy with how the balance beam turned out. What started as a lame obstacle because I couldn't think of anything else that fit the geography there turned into something that I think is going to be really challenging for people. We'll see!

[Matt in TN]

T-shirts will ONLY be available online from https://www.shredderlife.com/shop/2019-rockcastle-run-n-gun/

Only one run will be made, you must order by March 1st to get one, and they will be shipped directly to your house. Big thanks to Shredder Industries for making this so easy on Match Directors!

And there is the added bonus that $1 from each shirt sale goes to support Generation III Gun, a not for profit company founded to promote competitive shooting for Juniors (http://generation3gun.com/).

[Matt in TN]

Reminder:  tomorrow at midnight is the 30-day deadline to get a full refund if you withdraw. Here's the full cancellation policy, which is non-negotiable:

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.

[Matt in TN]

Prizes are continuing to roll in. Hornady sent over $600 worth of gear for the prize table, including their Lock-N-Load Iron Press!

Be sure to thank them for their support - most importantly as a note in your order when you buy some of their great gear. And post up here if you have some Hornady gear you like to tell everyone about it!

https://www.hornady.com/reloading/presses/lock-n-load-iron-press#!/