The inaugural UIPM Obstacle World Championships, held in Beijing in October 2025, are already being hailed as a pivotal moment for the sport of modern pentathlon and obstacle course racing. Athletes participating in the event have expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback, signaling what the UIPM considers “the start of something big.”
A New Era for Modern Pentathlon
The championships marked the official addition of obstacle course racing to modern pentathlon, replacing the traditional equestrian component in November 2022. This change wasn’t merely a substitution of disciplines, but a strategic transformation aimed at revitalizing the sport and broadening its appeal, according to UIPM Secretary General Shiny Fang. Fang described the move as achieving “rebirth through innovation.”
The decision to host the first championships in Beijing was deliberate. UIPM President Rob Stull noted the city’s infrastructure, event management capabilities and operational efficiency as key factors. Fang added that Beijing’s established venues and organizational expertise made it a “reliable choice” for international competitions, while its vast market offered significant potential for the sport’s development.
Inaugural Success and Italian Triumph
The competition culminated in a victory for the Italian team of Federica Toni, Loris Pintarelli, and Stefano Colombo, who secured the gold medal in the Team 3km event. This achievement cemented their place as the first UIPM Obstacle World Championship team champions. The event itself was described as a “memorable” and “successful” competition, drawing athletes from around the globe.
Beyond the competition itself, the championships served as a platform for significant organizational developments. The UIPM and World Obstacle (FISO) reached an agreement on key steps to finalize their integration. This process will see the 2026 OCR World Championships in Limerick, Ireland, as the last competition overseen by World Obstacle. A vote is scheduled to take place at the World Obstacle Congress in early 2026 to dissolve FISO, effectively establishing the UIPM as the sole recognized governing body for obstacle sports.
Expanding Global Reach
The introduction of obstacle course racing is already demonstrating its potential to expand the sport’s global reach. Replacing horse riding with the new discipline has attracted new athletes from Africa and Oceania, diversifying the athlete pool. This expansion is particularly notable given that China’s previous Olympic results in modern pentathlon have been modest. However, officials believe obstacle racing could provide a new avenue for success.
The growth of commercial obstacle racing brands, such as Spartan, is also contributing to the sport’s momentum, helping to build awareness and generate interest. Fang noted that these brands are “helping us build momentum.”
Looking Ahead: A Four-Year Hosting Cycle and Olympic Ambitions
Beijing has been selected to host four consecutive editions of the UIPM Obstacle World Championships, from 2025 to 2028. This commitment underscores the importance of the Chinese market to the UIPM’s long-term strategy. The organization aims to establish a consistent series of international events, including regional qualifiers and a dedicated world tour, following the success of the inaugural championships.
the UIPM’s goal is to secure a place for obstacle racing in future multi-sport events, with a potential bid for inclusion in the Olympic Games. The integration of FISO within the UIPM, scheduled to be finalized in 2026, is a crucial step towards achieving this ambition. The UIPM is also investing in media training, content creation tools, and closer integration between athletes and its central digital team to support mutual growth by aligning athlete storytelling with the federation’s broader commercial and media objectives.
As of , the UIPM is focused on building on the momentum generated by the Beijing championships and preparing for the next stage of development, with the Limerick championships poised to mark a significant milestone in the integration process.
