How does para biathlon work?
B · Beginner · Events and classes · 1 of 3Para biathlon combines cross-country skiing with shooting an air rifle at five targets 10 m away. Athletes race as vision impaired, standing or sitting; a class percentage turns each skiing time into a calculated time. Every miss costs a penalty loop or added time. The IBU runs it, and its rules apply at the Paralympics unless the IPC says otherwise.
How it works
- Rules body: IBU.
- Paralympics: IPC jurisdiction, IBU rules.
- Rifle: air rifle, 4.5 mm.
- Distance to targets: 10 m.
- Bouts: five shots each.
- Categories: vision impaired, standing, sitting.
- Percentages: one per class.
- Misses: loop or added time.
The glossary has the para biathlon, the Event and Competition Rules (ECR), the event levels, the competitor categories, the percentage and the air rifle.
Tricky cases
Is it the same rifle as Olympic biathlon?
No. An air rifle, not a .22.
How far are the targets?
10 m.
Who sets the classes?
FIS, under its para Nordic rules.
Is there shooting after the last loop?
No.
Why the rule exists
Shooting at 10 m with an air rifle makes the sport safe and open to athletes of all impairments.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Air, 4.5 mm | A 3.1.6 |
| Range | 10 m | E 3.4.2.1 |
| Paralympics | IPC rules first | E 14.1 |
From the rule book
IBU, Para Biathlon Event and Competition Rules (version 2025), articles 1.4, 8.1.1 and 14.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBU Para Biathlon ECR 2025.