The Fort La Présentation Association will hold its 9th annual St. Lawrence Valley Primitive Snowshoe Biathlon on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, at the St. Lawrence Sportsman’s Club.

Biathlon participants can run or walk a 1 ½ mile trail through the woods on snowshoes stopping at each of five firing stations with metal gong-style targets located along the trail. Participants fire two shots at each station and at the end of the trail throw a tomahawk at a wooded target. Participant’s running time is on the clock; each time a participant hits a target, five minutes are deducted from their running time. While there is an element of competition to the Biathlon, many people choose to take their time and simply enjoy the experience.

“The Biathlon is a great way to get outside and enjoy time in the woods with family and friends,” said Fred Hanss, event coordinator,

The Biathlon will begin promptly at 10:00 A.M. and conclude at 2:00 P.M. each day.

The Sportsman’s Club is located at 58 Sportsman Club Road, just off State Highway 37, about four miles east of Ogdensburg,

The Snowshoe Biathlon will feature the following classes: Youth ages 12-18, Ladies, Mens and Elder (over 60).

Participants may shoot in the Primitive Rifle (flintlock/cap), Primitive Smoothbore (flintlock/cap) and In-Line divisions. Those participating in the Primitive divisions must run or walk the course on wooden snowshoes; In-Line shooters may run on either modern or wooden snowshoes. Primitive shooters will be scored separately from In-Line shooters. Medals will be presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place shooters.

For registration forms: https://fort1749.org/2023/01/30/annual-winter-biathlon-is-march-4-5/

Hot food and beverages will be available during the event.

The St. Lawrence Valley Snowshoe Biathlon attracts participants from across New York, New England, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Canadians from Ontario and Quebec.

The event is sponsored by the St. Lawrence Sportsman’s Club, LaBella Associates, Grey’s Gunshop, T.J. Fiacco Construction and Forsyth’s Rifles.

For more information on the event contact Fred Hanss, event coordinator, at (315) 212-6213.