NORWAY — A biathlon series at Roberts Farm Preserve will start Sunday, Sept. 15, thanks to generous local donations.

The Western Foothills Land Trust has offered biathlon competitions at Roberts Farm Preserve for the past three winters by borrowing air rifles and targets from the Southern Maine Biathlon Club. This year, thanks to Woodman’s Sporting Goods in Norway and a private donor, the Trust has its own equipment with the goal of supporting a potential Western Maine Biathlon Club. Biathlon training is great for skiers and runners, and for those who enjoy target shooting.

The 2013 series at Roberts Farm Preserve, 64 Roberts Road, will include one event each month: Sept. 15, Oct. 27, Nov. 24 and Dec. 29, the latter hopefully a ski event. Beginners are encouraged and welcomed.

For these dry-land events 3k and 6k competitions will be offered. The 3k consists of three 1k loops with two target rounds and a 6k competition with three 2k loops with two target rounds. No previous target shooting experience is required. Air Rifles will be provided.

Competitors need to be able to run their course distances (3k or 6k) without walking.

Competitors 10-15 years old must be accompanied at the target range by a parent.

Biathlon is the Winter Olympic sport combining rifle marksmanship with cross-country skiing. Biathlon, which means dual event, has its roots in Scandinavia and Finland.

In Maine, the Maine Winter Sports Center in Caribou is a world class Nordic skiing and biathlon venue that fosters the development of athletes training for Olympic level competition. Clubs, like the Southern Maine Biathlon Club, support young athletes locally to develop the skills and endurance needed to advance in the sport.

For all four events at Roberts Farm Preserve: registration (free this first season), target practice and safety review, run course review and warm up will be from 9-10:45. Competitors’ meeting at 10:45. Competition will begin at 11.

Safety is a very important part of Biathlon. Competitors will learn safe range procedures for handling the air rifle. In addition to local experts, helpers from the Southern Maine Biathlon Club will provide safety training.