Laser-Run

Laser-Run rules involve athletes completing several sequences of running and laser pistol shooting, with the first to cross the finish line winning. Athletes must hit a 5-hit electronic target at a set distance before resuming a run, typically to a 300-600m range. Total running distance and shooting distances vary by age group and format, such as the 5 x 600m run and four 5-hit shooting series in senior competition. As a U-15 competitor, Kira ran the 2 x 800 meter race, stopping every 800 meters to shoot a target with a laser gun from a distance of 10 meters.

Currently, she competes at the highest level (5 x 600m). She is required to hit the target five times before continuing her run. Kira practices for this element by competing and training with the Holton-Arms School Varsity Cross Country team (since 2024), running on her family’s Peloton Tread+ or around the neighborhood with her brother. She has weekly virtual training sessions to hone her laser shooting skills.

The laser-run is the climax to the competition and athletes begin with a handicapped start, based on the results of the previous disciplines.

• Athletes run between 800m and 3,200m depending on their age with each run preceded by a shoot.

• Only after getting 5 green lights by hitting the valid zone of the target (using an unlimited number of shots) OR after a time of 50 seconds has elapsed can the competitor begin their next run.

• Shooting is with any 4.5mm (.177") calibre compressed air or laser pistol.

• Thanks to the handicap start, the first athlete to cross the line is the winner of the competition.