Lauryn and Russell Mark are encouraging everyone to break targets and not hearts for Valentine’s Day.
The couple – who have several Olympic, Commonwealth Games and world championship medals between them in the sport of clay target shooting – run Go Shooting, based at the Werribee Victorian Clay Target Club.
They are offering Valentine’s Day vouchers for clay target shooting experiences, which can also be used before or after February 14.
“Everyone knows the story of Cupid, right?” Ms Marks said.
“At Go Shooting we put our unique spin on that.
“We exchange arrows for shotguns and hearts for targets, but rest assured, it can have the same effect.”
She said that the shooting experiences were becoming an increasingly popular gift among couples.
“Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have found people are keen to get out and enjoy unique experiences locally and support local business,” Ms Marks said.
“Our customers walk away from our clay target experiences feeling empowered and accomplished.”
Ms Marks described shooting as “a surprisingly great bonding experience”.
“There is a saying in the shooting which says: ‘Couples that shoot together, stay together’,” she said.
Ms Marks and her husband are a prime example of this.
They met on the shooting circuit more than 20 years ago and have been happily married and working in business together ever since.
Ms Marks said that often, women organised a shooting voucher “hoping to win brownie points with their partner”.
“They are frequently surprised when they enjoy the experience just as much as men do,” she said.
“Shooting is an inclusive sport for all people, relationships and ability levels, and is the perfect way to add some spice and excitement to a relationship after two years of lockdown.”
The Go Shooting vouchers include three options, priced $95 per person, $298 per couple or $449 per couple.
The Werribee Victorian Clay Target Club is located at 1225 Ballan Road, Quandong.
Details: goshooting.com.au/
By Alesha Capone
