Obstacle proves a huge hit at New Zealand’s Modern Pentathlon Festival 2024

The sixth annual Modern Pentathlon Festival organised by Modern Pentathlon New Zealand (MPNZ) brought athletes from across the Pentathlon and Obstacle communities together for a hugely successful development gathering. 

Taking place on the last weekend of September the event provided an opportunity for both able-bodied and para athletes to get to grips with a specially designed Obstacle course. Over 80 per cent of those taking part were new to the sport with athletes coming from a wide range of sporting backgrounds, including Modern Pentathlon, Fencing, OCR and Achilles. 

As well as New Zealand athletes, the newly added Oceania National Federation of Cook Islands attended the competition for the second year in a row. Representatives were able to learn aspects of running and scoring a competition.

The event included two unique components: running of a purpose-built obstacle course based on the key obstacles of UIPM as MPNZ seeks local funding for a permanent course; and the opportunity to compete in teams with combined scores. Overall the event was a success, and proved a great introduction to the multi discipline sport of Modern Pentathlon to new OCR athletes, many of who have just returned from recent world championships.

MPNZ President Kaewruethai Collings said: "As an event designed to encourage grassroots development, we focus on participation and enjoyment, and use the opportunity to test how disciplines work - especially with para athletes.

“This year we focused on 'vision impaired' fencing on a rope with able bodied athletes blind folded, and vision impaired and mobility impaired completing the obstacle course.”