Laser-Run City Tour: They come, they try it, they like it!

The second UIPM Laser Run City Tour was hosted on 8 April in the city of Sausset les Pins in the south of France, a few kilometres from Marseille. 

Under the sun and by the sea, the event attracted not only many participants but also a number of onlookers who were invited to come and sample Laser-Run. Among them, Camille and Benoît, a couple who wished to directly integrate a series of Masters competitions.

At the end of her race, Camille confided to us: "I discovered this sport today; before I was just running but I'm pretty good at shooting and I find the Laser-Run a lot of fun. I had a great time, I even won bronze and made the podium! I will definitely be back."

More than 220 athletes participated in this competition, supported by 50 volunteers throughout the day.

The French Modern Pentathlon Federation had entrusted the organization to the Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur Regional Committee, which, under the leadership of President Jean Luc Dejardin and Secretary Thomas Fleurot, created a good ambience through a highly motivated team which contributed to the success of the event.

In addition to the 220 competitors, 88 people came to try laser shooting, with test sessions included in the programme and run by young pentathletes. 

Some records should also be highlighted:

- For the U11 to U19, first in the French ranking as well as to the Laser-Run City tour International ranking:

- U11 Male 3'27 Pierre Etcheber Vermet (St Max)

- U15 Male 6'45 Mathéo Dagatti (Aix)

There was a record attendance at Masters level with more than 50 participants in this category.

The Masters A series was won by Cécilia GEPPIER and Jean Christophe PERRIER, winner of the Laser-Run World Championship titles in 2015 and 2016.

Joël Bouzou, Vice-President of the UIPM and President of the FFPM, said in an address to the organizers: "I had no doubts about the success of this event and those to come. I thank all the volunteers without whom this type of organization would not be possible and congratulations to all participants from the youngest to the Masters.

“After organizing the first Laser-Run World Championship in Perpignan in 2015, France continues to be part of the evolution of Laser-Run. I really believe in the success of this discipline."

Christian Roudaut, UIPM Executive Board Member and Chair of the Coaches Committee, added: “I believe LRCT is an incredible opportunity to bring more and more participants to our Modern Pentathlon family.

"We had a massive attendance of spectators from the community of Sausset les Pins and surroundings who have organized an amazing event in such an iconic place. In addition, we are aiming to enlarge the base of our athletes pyramid in France and the competition was perfect for our recruiting system.”