AMK9 ACADEMY U.S. CANINE BIATHLON Welcome to the second annual U.S. Canine Biathlon. This course is comprised with over 15 obstacles, covering 3.5 miles of mixed terrain. This course will test a k9’s team’s / Runners agility, athleticism, intelligence, stamina, and most importantly “heart”. This will be a timed event with outlined penalties when there are miscues on the course. Preparation The course will be challenging to both you and your canine partner. The event will be held on May 9, in Anniston AL where the historically the temperature ranges between 80-‐90 degrees. If your Canine is not is running shape you need to start getting their paws on the pavement. Start out in half-‐mile increments and try to work your way up to 3 miles within the next 4 weeks. There will be a few stations where a bit of basic obedience may be required (sit, down, stay, come). Your canine should be comfortable jumping, climbing, crawling over/under objects and obstacles. The day of the race you will want to feed your dog at least 4 hours prior to and no later then 2 hours before the start of the event. Race Rules 1. Follow signs to designated areas, parking registration, etc. 2. Time will start when the team takes off from the starting gate and will end when the team crosses the finish line. 3. Each obstacle is set up for both the handler and dog. Both will be judged on the negotiation of the obstacle. 4. If while in the course you approach a slower runner, call out “runner approaching on the left or right”, slower runners will yield to faster teams. 5. While running the course pay particular attention for painted arrows/flags/orange tape on roadways/grass for appropriate direction. 6. We will have (3) designated Rest Areas along the course that will be clearly marked for your convenience. Area 1 is after obstacle 10, Area 2 is after obstacle 12 and Area 3 will be on the final leg up Heartbreak Ridge. 7. While on the course, especially on Heartbreak Ridge watch for loose rocks that may cause you to slip. 8. Time will be added from each error during the negotiation of an obstacle. The handler and the dog both must complete each obstacle with no miscues to receive zero penalties. 9. The handler will run the course with their dog on a leash for the safety of all. 10. If at any time a judge feels a team is out of control, or presents a safety risk, the judge may disqualify the team. 11. A handler may ask a judge for directions at any point along the course. Just keep in mind the clock will run continuously until the team has crossed the finish line. Time will not unless of an emergency. 12. If you or your dog becomes injured at any point, you are responsible for notifying the nearest judge and informing them that you cannot continue. Appropriate emergency personnel will be contacted immediately. 13. There are water obstacles in this course. If you or your dog cannot swim or have any issues with water, please notify the judge so extra attention can be allocated at the water obstacle. Safety is paramount during this event. Information 1. For your convenience we will have vari-‐kennels for all competitors in the staging area to place your canine in prior to the start of the race. If you do not place your K9 in a holding crate, be sure to be careful around other dogs. Not all of these canines will be pets; a good number will be police service dogs and may not get along with other dogs. 2. Go to the Registration table to sign in. The table will be labeled CANINE TEAMS or RUNNERS ONLY, and get your runners packet. 3. Inside your packet you will find a runners bib with your competitors number as well as a tag to put on your dogs collar. 4. Listen for your group number or your individual name and number to be called and proceed to the holding area of the starting line. 5. Once you have crossed the finish line you will be given a biathlon T-‐Shirt and medal for completing the race. Once everyone has completed the event, the awards will be presented. 6. Food will be available to everyone; runners will have food ticket inside their runner’s packet. 7. We will constantly be updating the time board to show each participant’s current position. 8. It will be wise to have a change of clothing for after the race. We will have a canine bathing station available for the participants. Schedule of Events 0800-‐0845 Registration 0900-‐0915 Course Brief 0915-‐0930 RUNNERS only are released, batches of 10 in 2 minute intervals 0930-‐1300 1 canine team will be released every 2 minutes until complete 1330 -‐1500 Awards Presentation Award Categories Overall Champion, Canine Team “Top Dog” 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place in Each Category (Law Enforcement, Military, and Civilian, Woman’s) with canine. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Runner only Youth Group for age 16 and under. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The fastest Male, Female and Child (under 16) will be tracked minus the age
handicap for course record and will receive awards. Age Handicap Scoring Runners (-‐15 seconds) deducted from their final time for every year over the age of 21. (+ 15 seconds) added to their final time for every year under 21 to 16. (-‐15 seconds) deducted from their final time for every year under 16. Canines (-‐30 seconds) deducted from the final time for every year over 2 years of age. (+30 seconds) added to their final time for every year under 2 years of age. Obstacle Scoring Will be posted the day of the event. Will be + 30 or – 30 for completed obstacles. Penalties For Not Completing Obstacles Cleanly Minor – A K9 team has up to 3 opportunities to complete an obstacle correctly. If after 3 attempts the team is unsuccessful, then the team will move onto the next obstacle with a 3:00 minute penalty assessed. Major – If a runner cannot attempt an obstacle due to fear/phobia they will be allowed to bypass that obstacle with a significant penalty of 5:00 minutes assessed. Disqualification – A team can be disqualified and removed from the course for any serious safety violation the judge deems inappropriate during the completion of the course. NOTE Hold Times – For any unforeseen circumstances, runner(s) get held up at an obstacle, their hold time will be calculated and deducted from their final time. There will be a designated hold box at the obstacle for you to stay in until the judge releases you to run the obstacle. Course Map Local Lodging Participants are encouraged to reserve rooms at the Hampton Inn, located in Jacksonville Alabama. When making reservations mention that you are with the US Canine Biathlon at AMK9 Academy for the discounted room rate of $60.00 per night. Distance from the Hotel to the Event Site is 13 Min, (8.9 miles). Hampton Inn 1041 JD&L Drive, Jacksonville, AL 36256 (256) 782-‐0330 24 Hour Emergency Veterinarian Contact Information For 24 hour Emergency Care, AMK9 Academy utilizes Animal Medical Center of Anniston, located 13 minutes (6 miles) from AMK9 Academy while traveling south on HWY 21 in Anniston. Their business phone number and address is: (256) 236-‐
8387, 719 Quintard Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201. Emergency Medical Care The nearest emergency medical facility is the Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center, located 11 minutes (5.7 miles) from AMK9 Academy while traveling south on HWY 21. Their business phone number and address is: (256) 235-‐5121, 400 E 10th St, Anniston, AL 36207