Mossel Bay Gears Up for the 2025 UIPM World Championships in December

The Southern Cape’s scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay is set to make history this December as it plays host to the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) 2025 Biathle, Triathle, and Laser Run World Championships, marking a fabulous feather in the cap for South Africa and the African continent.

This prestigious event will bring together elite athletes from around the globe for five action-packed days of competition from 9-14 December 2025, organised by the national federation of South African Modern Pentathlon Association (SAMPA) in collaboration with #ICONIC Mossel Bay. Before the event, there will also be development league events to add to the excitement. Here’s everything you need to know.

All About the UIPM World Championships

Hosting the UIPM World Championships is a major milestone, and signals South Africa’s growing footprint in the world of modern pentathlon – a dynamic multi-discipline sport governed globally by the UIPM since 1948.

The UIPM organises annual World Champs for senior, junior and youth athletes, as well as a World Cup Series consisting of four events that culminate in a World Cup Final. And every four years, the sport’s ultimate test is the Olympics.

Modern Pentathlon is a comprehensive test of athleticism, skill, and precision as it combines five diverse disciplines: swimming, fencing, obstacle course racing, and a laser run (shooting + running). South African athletes recently showcased their prowess at the SA Pentathlon Championships, held in early May, and this is followed by the U17 World Championships, set for July in Midrand, Johannesburg.

However, the main event will come in December, where Mossel Bay will be the setting for UIPM World Championships for Biathle, Triathle, and Laser Run. These stand-alone disciplines are growing rapidly in popularity due to their accessibility and exciting spectator appeal:

• Biathle: A fast-paced combination of open-water swimming and running.

• Triathle: Adds laser shooting to the swim-run format, testing focus and endurance.

• Laser Run: Combines laser pistol shooting and running, offering a thrilling challenge for all ages.

Spectators can look forward to a truly inclusive sporting festival. Age categories will range from U/11 to Masters (70+), with the event unfolding on the shores of Santos Beach, promising unforgettable moments both in and out of the water.

Dates to Diarise

The road to Mossel Bay runs through the Garden Route. Upcoming development leagues to diarise include:

• 25 May – Biathle & Laser Run

• 29 June – Triathle & Laser Run

• 19 & 20 July – Eden Champs Biathle & Triathle

• 9 August & 6 September – Eden & Western Cape Champs Laser Run

All of these will be held at Glenwood House in George.

South Africa’s hosting of the UIPM World Championships is more than a sporting event, it’s a celebration of growth, excellence, and community in the sporting world.

When: Biathle & Triathle: 9-12 December 2025 | Laser Run: 13 & 14 December
Where: Santos Beach, Mossel Bay

Website: uipmworld.org