Modern pentathlon rules, for watching
Start with how a match works. Then the rules you see every few minutes, then the ones that change results.
Settling an argument? Search all 18 rules
- What are the events in modern pentathlon?
- How do you win a modern pentathlon?
- How many rounds are there in a modern pentathlon competition?
- What happens if two pentathletes are level?
- What is the difference between being eliminated and being disqualified in pentathlon?
- How does a pentathlon relay work?
- How does fencing work in modern pentathlon?
- What is the fencing direct elimination in pentathlon?
- What counts as a valid hit in pentathlon fencing?
- What do the yellow, red and black cards mean in pentathlon fencing?
- How does the obstacle event in modern pentathlon work?
- What happens if a pentathlete falls off an obstacle?
- Who races whom in the pentathlon obstacle event, and what is a false start?
- How far do pentathletes swim, and how is it scored?
- Why do pentathletes start the last event at different times?
- How does the shooting work in the pentathlon laser run?
- How far do pentathletes run, and how is the finish judged?
- What are the penalties in the pentathlon laser run?
Where these rules come from
| Tag | Document |
|---|---|
| UIPM plus article or appendix | Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne, 2026 Modern Pentathlon Competition Rules and Equipment Regulations, as of 1 February 2026. Read for this set: chapter 1 (Articles 1.3 to 1.6, 1.11, 1.12, 1.17, 1.18 and 1.23), chapter 2 fencing (2.1 to 2.7 with Appendices 2A and 2B), chapter 3 obstacle (3.1 to 3.7, 3.9 and Appendices 3A and 3B1), chapter 4 swimming (4.1 to 4.8 with Appendices 4A and 4B1) and chapter 5 laser run (5.1 to 5.6, 5.9 in part, Appendices 5A and 5B1) |
| R | "Why the rule exists", or a point reasoned from the rule, not stated in it |
| C | Common usage or general knowledge, not a rule |
All checked on 14 October 2026.
One set, no sub-types. The four events are parts of one competition with one result, so they are files in one set and "Next steps" may cross from one event to another.
The format is new. This edition has the obstacle discipline in place of riding, a 100 m swim and five shooting series for seniors. The UIPM says it may amend the obstacle chapter and that new formats are being tested in 2025 and 2026.
Tables read from a run-together text copy. The laser run table (series and distances by age group), the obstacle draw table, the direct elimination bracket and the penalty tables come out of the PDF with their columns merged. The figures on the pages were worked out from the order of the entries and should be confirmed against the PDF.
Not covered: riding and Masters (chapters 6 and 7); the Olympic format for Los Angeles 2028; equipment specifications for the épée, the laser pistol, the targets and each obstacle; officials' duties; the Pentathlon World Ranking; laser run, biathle and triathle as separate UIPM sports; para pentathlon.
Not covered: riding and Masters (chapters 6 and 7); the Olympic format for Los Angeles 2028; equipment specifications for the épée, the laser pistol, the targets and each obstacle; officials' duties; the Pentathlon World Ranking; laser run, biathle and triathle as separate UIPM sports; para pentathlon.