Participants in action during the Run Archery event.

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

It was about fun and excitement as a unique format of archery, Run Archery was trialled for the first time in the UAE ahead of the 8th Fazza Para-Archery World Ranking Tournament World Qualifying Tournament for Paris 2024 - Dubai 2024.

As many as 21 archers, coaches to team officials to players, from across the globe took part in the new shooting discipline that connects archery with running, at the Dubai Club for People of Determination grounds.

“We wanted to try something different; give a unique experience to everyone during the Para Archery World Ranking Tournament. This is a new format of archery which is popular in Europe and recognised by World Archery. We are looking forward to having this format as competition in UAE,” said Al Rao, Para Archery coach.

There was also a seminar held for the National technical Officials ahead of the trialled event and “everyone was so excited,” added Rao.

The format, like the sport of biathlon, included shooting and running with penalties for missed arrows and time penalty.

The rule was as follows: A 400m run and shooting 6 arrows standing, any missed arrows incur a penalty running lap for each missed one, then a second 400m run followed by shooting 4 arrows kneeling and a third 400m run.

“Hopefully we will get to see a competition of Run Archery happening in UAE soon. We are all looking forward to it,” said Adil Alhammadi from UAE Archery.