Pentathlon GB, the governing body of Modern Pentathlon, is launching the UK’s first permanent sprint obstacle course based at the University of Bath, enabling both athletes and members of the public to challenge themselves on a world-class course.

The new facility, due to open early next year, will showcase eight obstacles which are currently used in International Junior Pentathlon competitions, including steps, a big wheel, a 1.5m climbing wall, rings, a balance beam, wheels, monkey bars, and a finish wall.

The obstacles are all designed to test an athlete’s power, balance, agility, co-ordination, and strength.

Supported by UK Sport and the Union of Modern Pentathlon (UIPM), the introduction of the obstacle competition course builds on Pentathlon GB’s partnership with the University of Bath to create a centre of excellence for the sport, and will uniquely enable athletes to access training environments for five pentathlon sports, including running, fencing, laser shooting, obstacles, and swimming, all on one site.

Stephen Baddeley, director of sport at the University of Bath, said: “The University is delighted to support our longstanding partner, Pentathlon GB, as it embraces the exciting sport of obstacle racing.

“The permanent obstacle course will not only assist their performance athletes, but provide an exciting new sport for our local community, too.”

Trafford Wilson, chief executive of Pentathlon GB, added: “The installation of a dedicated obstacle course follows the successful 2023 World Championships held at the University of Bath in August, where Pentathlon GB, in partnership with British Obstacle Sports volunteers, set up a temporary ‘come an try’ obstacle course.

UK Sport is pleased to have supported this world-class training facility, which will best prepare Great Britain’s athletes in this exciting new discipline within modern pentathlon as they build towards the future

“This provided the perfect opportunity for hundreds of people of all ages and abilities to experience obstacle course racing for the first time.

“The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with lots of people who were new to the sport giving it a go! 

“Obstacle Course Racing is fun, inclusive, challenging, and suitable for all and we are keen that this new ‘home of obstacle racing’ is used by both our elite athletes and local people and visiting groups.”

Over the coming months, Pentathlon GB will be reaching out to schools, clubs, and community groups to encourage obstacle centre bookings.

And any profits raised through the facility will be funnelled back into pentathlon to enable more people, especially the young, to engage in the sport.

Dr Kate Baker, director of performance at UK Sport, said: “UK Sport is pleased to have supported this world-class training facility, which will best prepare Great Britain’s athletes in this exciting new discipline within modern pentathlon as they build towards the future, as well as inspire and unite the local community.”