UIPM 2026 Biathle-Triathle-Laser Run World Championships: All You Need to Know

• Almost a thousand athletes gather in Madeira (POR) for seven days of world-class competition
• Global celebration spans 12 age groups, Mixed Relays and Para categories
• Malan (ITA) and Mihalev (BUL) among elite participants

The Atlantic island of Madeira is playing host to the world's Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run athletes with a spectacular celebration of sport, friendship and international competition.

Almost a thousand athletes representing countries from across the globe have converged on the picturesque harbour of Funchal for the UIPM 2026 Biathle-Triathle-Laser Run World Championships from October 26 to November 1.

And there are some big names among the congregation. Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Giorgio Malan takes his place on the start line for Laser Run alongside Italy team-mates Aurora Tognetti and Irene Prampolini. Another Olympian involved is Todor Mihalev of Bulgaria.

The year's biggest gathering of the UIPM development sports community promises seven days of exciting racing, bringing together competitors of all generations and abilities in one of Europe's most beautiful island destinations – where perfect weather conditions are predicted with the mercury not exceeding 25C.

With its dramatic mountain backdrop, inviting coastline and bustling waterfront, Funchal offers a spectacular natural stage for the championships. The competition will centre on the Centro Náutico São Lázaro, where the coastal setting of Biathle and Triathle meets the urban energy of Laser Run.

The championships return to Portuguese soil four years after Madeira hosted the UIPM 2022 Biathle-Triathle World Championships in nearby Machico, building on the success of the first combined BTLR Worlds in Mossel Bay (RSA) last December.

A global celebration of participation

Perhaps the greatest attraction of these championships is the extraordinary diversity of the athletes taking part.

Across 12 age groups, competitors at different stages of their sporting journeys will share the same international stage, from young athletes discovering the thrill of global competition to experienced Masters demonstrating that sporting ambition knows no age limit.

Traditional Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run powerhouses Great Britain, South Africa, France and Germany – as well as host nation Portugal – will be strongly represented, but the global reach of the event extends much further.

Athletes travelling from Australia, China, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico and United States illustrate the expanding geographical footprint of UIPM’s development sports and their growing accessibility to new communities around the world.

Alongside the Individual competitions, Mixed Relays will provide another dimension of excitement and teamwork, while the inclusion of Para Biathle, Para Triathle and Para Laser Run gives athletes of all abilities the chance to pursue world titles within the same vibrant championship environment.

Beyond the medal ceremonies, the event offers a unique opportunity for athletes, coaches, officials and families from different cultures to come together through their shared passion for multisport competition.

Three sports, one community

Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run are cornerstones of UIPM's global development programme, providing accessible pathways into multisport competition and helping athletes build the skills required for Pentathlon.

Biathle combines running and swimming in a continuous Run-Swim-Run sequence, while Triathle adds laser shooting to swimming and running. Laser Run combines running and laser shooting in a dynamic format ideally suited to urban environments.

Each sport presents its own physical and technical challenges, but all three share an emphasis on accessibility, enjoyment and sporting opportunity.

The decision to stage the World Championships together for a second consecutive year reinforces their collective role in welcoming new athletes and nations into the UIPM family.

President's welcome

UIPM President Rob Stull OLY said: "This event is one of the most vibrant celebrations of our multisport community. Athletes of all ages and backgrounds come together to challenge themselves, to develop their competitive skills and to experience the unique spirit of Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run.

"These championships are not only about winning medals – they are about discovery, connection and dreaming big."

President Stull also expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese Modern Pentathlon Federation and the Madeiran hosts for their dedication and partnership in bringing the championships to Funchal.

Watch and follow

Follow the World Championships on the UIPM website, UIPM Central app and social media channels for competition updates, results, photographs and stories throughout the week.

Competition schedule

• October 26: Biathle Individual Semi-finals; Biathle Mixed Relays
• October 27: Biathle Individual Finals; Para Biathle Finals
• October 28: Triathle Individual Semi-finals; Triathle Mixed Relays
• October 29: Triathle Individual Finals; Para Triathle
• October 30: Laser Run Women's Individual Semi-finals & Finals, Women's Para Laser Run
• October 31: Laser Run Men's Individual Semi-finals & Finals, Men's Para Laser Run
• November 1: Laser Run Mixed Relays