As part of our "Winter H*E*A*T Fun Run" there was a new "tank biathlon" event.  Tankers drove a fixed course, winding through the battlefield and over bridges, while taking three shots at four enemy targets and (hopefully missing) one friendly tank. Each run was timed, and for every target that was successfully hit, 15 seconds were subtracted. Times were averaged among "national" teams to determine the champs. This "medal" was awarded to the victorious team, (at least until the next H*E*A*T Fun Run!)   The event is explained below...

THE BIATHLON COURSE: 

THE SNIPER SHOT-   Each tank started at intervals from the town of Berniersville.   We crossed over the mid bridge where we had the option to take one sniper shot at a single target drone tank that was situated on top of the distant railroad mountain.   You got a 15 second bonus if you hit the target.  Drivers then dashed down the center of the battlefield along the riverbed to the sawmill. 

THE MARKSMANSHIP TEST-  Hidden beyond the sawmill, near the big train trestle, were two operational tanks.  One was the target drone that we needed to hit, the other was a "friendly" tank situated rather close by.  Drivers had just one chance to hit the target without hitting the friendly one.   This was tricky because you had to stop and take aim without using a fan shot.  You got a 15 second bonus for this target..but ZERO if you also hit the friendly tank!

THE MULTIPLE HIT-  Tankers then continued through the farm village and over the East bridge into the "bowling alley" where we encountered two more target tanks.   These were positioned on opposite sides of a small hill, so both had to be hit with a single "fan shot".   You got a 15 second bonus for one hit or 30 for nailing both!   From there it was slalom through a set of temporary tree barriers back to the town.  A stopwatch was used at the finish line.

We drew from a hat to pick three Olympic teams of four guys each.  Any tanker that could not complete the run the first time was allowed to run it one additional time.  (Some guys had mechanical trouble or crashed their tank while speeding through the course).  If they could not complete the second try, they were dropped from their team average. 

Here are the results.  The first number is their running time, in seconds.   The second number is the amount of seconds they earned as "bonus deductions" for good marksmanship.

As a result quick runs and good shooting, "Team Russia" was victorious and was awarded the "Tank Olympics Medal".  This is an actual British Gibraltar coin commemorating WWII, and if you look closely you can see two Panthers, a Stuka, and a burning T34!  It will be placed on display at the battlefield next to a picture of the winning team, that is, until it is awarded again next time!.

Individual winner:   We should note that Doug Gasser, using a T34 on the German squad, turned in the best single time of any tanker.  He posted 24 seconds after a 45 second "bonus adjustment" for marksmanship.  This was a full 19 seconds better than his nearest competitor.  Congratulations Doug!

Team: Doug

The "Tank Biathlon" was a blast!  It went really quickly and the guys took the competition very seriously.  It was a fun diversion from the usual "historical battles" that we run at the official Battledays. We hope to give this one a try again some time, and guys are already brainstorming new types of "Tank Olympics" events!    See pictures from rest of the Fun Run battle scenarios.