Enter the Run Archery European Cup!

Have you thought about enter the upcoming European Run Archery Cup? Do you want to get involved and try something different? Then don’t just take our word for it! We spoke to new, avid run archer, Ian Clark, to tell us all about his experience so far and why he loves this rising discipline.

How long have you been doing run archery?

Run Archery is fairly new to me. Earlier this summer, I attended a test event at Neston Archers near Birkenhead, who delivered both Sprint and 4km disciplines which was my first competitive experience and was a fantastic day out.

What is the main difference in competing at a target competition versus a run archery one?

For me as a competitive compound archer, the difference is massive as you are not allowed to shoot compound in Run Archery events. So the last three months have involved balancing my compound training with recurve.

Sum up run archery to someone who has never tried it before.

Run Archery is such a fun discipline and completely different to all others. It is incredibly challenging to control your breathing and heart rate after each running leg. It’s not a problem at all if you’re not a fast runner, go at your own pace or even power walk - you are challenging yourself against the clock.

Would you recommend people give run archery a go?

I would definitely recommend people give it a go, if you like Parkrun you will love Run Archery. Obviously there could be health benefits due to the workout, especially if you challenge yourself with the 4km event. Personally run archery has helped with my ongoing challenges with anxiety, you don’t have time to think in a race and is a pleasant alternative to the stresses and pressures of competition target archery.

Will you be competing in the run archery European cup? 

Yes, I will be competing at the European Cup next month in Nottingham. My main objective is to have fun, but I am looking forward to seeing where I rank with the best 50+ athletes in Europe.

What was the reason you tried run archery?

I was encouraged to have a go by Jon Nott at Archery GB who knew I liked running. Since then I have arranged a few informal have-a-go afternoons at my club, Bowmen of St Mary’s, which were great fun.

Fancy setting up a have-a-go at your club? Here's Ian's five tips

1. Clearly mark out the course along with penalty lap area that is away from the shooting area - ensure you consider your safe areas/overshoot etc.
   
   
2. Encourage members that this is not a race but a fun event. You can run/jog/power walk, do what you can as it is only you against the clock.
   
   
3. You will need a spotter/arrow collector per archer, so this can be quite volunteer intensive. Spotters will need to call hit or miss per arrow and advise if/how many penalty laps need to be completed.
   
   
4. Target faces are quite difficult to get hold of, so we printed our own and laminated them. We also found that a maximum of two archers can share a boss in an informal club setting.
   
   
5. Remember it is a bit of fun!

Enter the European Archery Cup and find more about the event by clicking the buttons below!

Enter here European Archery Cup page