Summer Biathlon 2006

In 2006, a total of 186 biathletes competed in four events held at Cherry Ridge Range, in May, June, July, and September. New Jersey is proud to host the most consistently well attended summer biathlon series in one location in the United States. Ours are also the southern-most events on the East Coast, routinely drawing competitors from a wide, 7 state area and occasionally from Canada and Europe. Our competitor base covers every demographic, from 11 to 70 years old, male and female.

July’s race was our most successful event ever, with a record number of participants, a record number of female participants, and competitors in every one of our 12 age group brackets. The best measure of our success as an outreach event is the number of personal rifles in use at our events. When Summer Biathlon was first introduced in NJ in the early 90’s, the Association graciously purchased biathlon rifles for our use. This year, at July’s race, 28 of the 56 participants provided their own rifles, demonstrating the growth and enthusiasm of the biathlon community regarding gun ownership.

During the 2006 season, NJ biathletes competed in numerous events on the East Coast, and a strong contingent represented NJ at the 2006 Summer Biathlon National Championships in Saratoga, NY. Several Association members, both male and female, competed extremely well at Nationals. At the conclusion of the four day event, NJ Series competitors had garnered 16 medals, including 2 Gold, 8 Silver, and 6 Bronze medals.

In October, eight NJ biathletes traveled to Syracuse to represent the Garden State in the First Annual PA-NY-NJ Tri-State Championship. Team NJ held its own, finishing in a tie with PA after the weekend’s three events. The highlight was the finale of the relay event on Sunday, waiting for the anchor legs to emerge from the woods after completing their last shooting stop. After solid performances by Joseph Iwan of Garfield and Christian Peterson of Butler, anchor runner Challen Ingraham of Tabernacle held off a team from PA that included the 2006 National Champion, to claim the Gold medal by a mere three seconds.

Click here for the 2007 Summer Biathlon schedule.

For more information on Summer Biathlon please visit our Website at http://njbiathlon.mossip.net or call or e-mail Chris Rogers at (908)722-9327, chrispr3@verizon.net.