What are the pentathlon and the women's decathlon?
A · Advanced · The events and the points · 1 of 3The rules provide for three more combined events outdoors. The men's pentathlon is five events in one day: long jump, javelin, 200 m, discus and 1500 m. The women's decathlon has the same ten events as the men's and may be held in the men's order or in a second order. Under-18 women have a heptathlon in the usual order.
How it works
- Men's pentathlon: for under-18, under-20 and senior men. "The Pentathlon consists of five events which shall be held on one day in the following order: Long Jump; Javelin Throw; 200m; Discus Throw; 1500m."
- Women's decathlon, first choice: the order of the men's decathlon, with the 100 m hurdles in place of the 110 m hurdles.
- Women's decathlon, second choice: day one is 100 m, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 400 m. Day two is 100 m hurdles, long jump, shot put, high jump and 1500 m.
- Under-18 women's heptathlon: the seven events in the same order as the senior heptathlon.
- The same framework: the points, the rest periods, the exceptions and the rule about starting every event apply to all of them.
Tricky cases
Is there a women's decathlon in the rules?
Yes. Technical Rule 39.4 sets it out, with two permitted orders.
Is the outdoor pentathlon a two-day event?
No. Its five events are held on one day.
Is the pentathlon in this rule the women's indoor pentathlon?
No. This one is for men, outdoors. The indoor combined events are in a different part of the rules.
Why the rule exists
The second order for the women's decathlon swaps the field events between the days. That lets a men's and a women's decathlon run at the same meeting without both needing the pole vault and the discus at the same hour. The rule does not give this reason. It is the practical effect.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 39.1; TR 39.4; TR 39.5 |
| Men's decathlon and women's heptathlon | The standard championship events | TR 39.2; TR 39.3 |
| Indoor combined events | Not read for this set | Part V |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 39.1, 39.4 and 39.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).