Press Release – Wednesday 28th January 2026.
Following the first meeting of the UIPM Executive Board (EB) for 2026, held on 26 January, the UIPM has confirmed a number of important decisions relating to competition formats, rules, and the international calendar.
These updates provide greater clarity as we move further into the 2026 season and will take effect immediately, applying to all competitions moving forwards, including National Ranking #3.
Further technical detail will be shared once the official UIPM Technical Newsletter is released.
Speaking on the format changes, Jamie Cooke, Pentathlon GB Performance Director believes the GB team are in a good place to adapt quickly. “The change in rules for both the swim and the laser run provide an opportunity for us as a team to gain performance advantages. I have full confidence in our World Class Programme athletes and staff to maximise this opportunity on the road to LA.”
Echoing these thoughts, Rhys Edwards, Head of Pathways believes that the changes towards a 100m swim are positive and adds a new dynamic to pentathlon competition. “This is a really positive change for pentathlon. Moving to a 100m swim adds a new, dynamic element and will reward more explosive swimmers who can deliver fast times.”
“Crucially, it also brings much better alignment through the pathway. Our younger athletes already compete over 100m, so this helps bridge the gap as they progress, with only an additional shoot and run introduced after under-17 level. That alignment will add real excitement to competition and, more importantly, support a smoother transition of athletes through the system.”
Read more on the format changes and the full UIPM announcement below.
UIPM 2026 Pentathlon World Championships
The UIPM has confirmed that the 2026 UIPM Pentathlon World Championships will be hosted in Guiyang, China, taking place from 24–30 August 2026.
This event will be followed immediately by the UIPM 2026 Obstacle World Championships in Beijing, creating a unique two-week festival of UIPM sports in China.
Confirmed UIPM 2026 International Competition Dates
The following event dates have been confirmed or amended to support planning for the 2026 season:
• 9–13 June: UIPM 2026 Pentathlon World Cup – Budapest (HUN)
• 26–28 June: UIPM 2026 Pentathlon World Cup Final – Budapest (HUN)
• 23–29 July: UIPM 2026 Junior & U17 World Championships – Kaunas (LTU)
• 16–19 August: 2026 FISU University World Championships – Madrid (ESP)
• 22–28 August: UIPM 2026 U19 & U15 World Championships – Madrid (ESP)
• 2–6 September: UIPM 2026 Obstacle World Championships – Beijing (CHN)
• 21–22 November: UIPM 2026 UIPM Congress (online)
Competition Rule Changes – Effective Immediately
Following consultation with National Federations, athletes, and leading coaches on 9 December, as well as further testing and feedback, the UIPM Executive Board approved two competition rule changes under a force majeure decision.
These changes take effect immediately and will apply across all competitions and age groups, unless stated otherwise.
Laser Run
• Introduction of a 5th shooting series at the beginning of Laser Run
• No change to the total running distance
Swimming
• Swimming distance reduced from 200m to 100m
• Scoring adjusted to 5 points per second at all levels (U13–Senior)
• U9–U11 swimming distance remains 50m
These changes are designed to:
• Increase the dynamism and spectator appeal of Modern Pentathlon
• Strengthen the sport’s position within the LA 2028 Olympic Games
• Support long-term Olympic inclusion, including Brisbane 2032 (pending IOC approval)
Fencing – No Change for 2026
A proposal to reduce fencing bout duration from 60 seconds to 45 seconds was tested and reviewed. However, due to additional proposals being submitted, the Executive Board did not vote on fencing changes at this meeting.
➡️ Current fencing rules will remain in place for the 2026 season.
Positive Update for Youth Development (U15)
In a positive step for youth development:
• National Federations may now enter an unlimited number of relay teams at the UIPM U15 World Championships
• Only the highest-placed team per NF will be eligible to win a medal
This change is intended to increase participation opportunities and development exposure for young athletes.
Next Steps
More detailed technical guidance on these rule changes will be provided in the upcoming UIPM Technical Newsletter. Further national-level clarification and implementation detail will follow once this information is received.
If you have any immediate questions, please speak with your coach or pathway lead.
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