Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stay up to date with race, training, and practice announcements?
We communicate via email and via website forums. To receive email communication, sign up for the newsletter on the homepage of mabiathlon.com. To participate in forum discussions, register as a user at mabiathlon.com. Registered users will also receive email communications.
How can I get an email notification when there is a new post on the forum?
As a registered user you can subscribe to forums to receive an email notification of new posts. We recommend that you subscribe to the Announcements forum.
Do I need to be a member of the Harvard Sportsmen’s Club (HSC) to race?
No you do not need to be a member to race. However, we hope that you consider joining the club to give back to the program. We require all guests to pre-register for events. We will not allow drop-in registrations. More information on membership can be found at harvardsportsmensclub.com.
I’ve never done biathlon before, is the HSC biathlon program right for me?
Yes, we welcome biathletes of all abilities and experience levels. In the winter we offer ski or snowshoe courses. In the spring, summer, and fall we offer running, biking, or walking courses. We also ensure that our expert racers have the most genuine race experience possible. So as you get more comfortable with the sport, you can race at an expert level. Our expert racers are very willing to welcome you into the sport.
What if I don’t have a rifle?
While we don’t have club loaner rifles we do have members who have rifles that they will loan out. If you need a loaner, let us know before a race.
What if I’ve never shot a rifle?
We will help you learn how to safely shoot a rifle.
I have a rifle, should I bring it?
Yes. You don’t need an official biathlon rifle, but your rifle does need to comply with these rules. It should be a .22LR with peep sights (no scopes). Ammunition should be standard velocity, 40 grain, lead, round nose. No copper or hollow point ammo. The rifle should either be a single shot rifle or one with a 5 round magazine.
Do I race with the experts?
If you are new to biathlon we will have you race in the Novice class. In the Novice class we adapt the rules to give you early success in the sport. You will shoot at larger targets and use a rest to steady your rifle. You will race on the same course as the experts.
My child is interested in biathlon, can they participate?
We have a very active junior program. For information regarding the junior program contact Stephanie Schneider at steph@mabiathlon.com
What biathlon rifle should I buy?
That question has a long answer! Chat with other racers to get an idea of what rifle will be best for you.
When should I arrive for a race, how long do races last?
We are entirely a volunteer organization so we appreciate everyone’s help setting up and breaking down the course. For Saturday races arrive at 7am to get set up. Zeroing starts at 8 and we start racing around 9. For Sunday races arrive at 8am to get set up. Zeroing starts at 9 and we start racing around 10. We wrap around 1pm for both Saturday and Sunday races.
What are the directions to the club? Where should I go once I am in the club? What if the gate is locked?
Directions to the club can be found on the club website harvardsportsmensclub.com.
If you are a guest you will need to be at the gate at a designated time so we can get you in the club. More information will be provided as you register.
In the winter we race on the 300 yard range. To get to the 300 yard range, take the first left off of the entry road. Drive until that road ends at a T intersection. Take a right at the T intersection. The 300 yard range is the next left, with a red flag pole.
In the spring, summer, and fall we race on the 65 yard range. To get to the 65 yard range, take the first left off of the entry road. Drive until that road ends at a T intersection. Take a left at the T intersection. The 65 yard range is at the end of the road on the right.