What are the penalties in the pentathlon laser run?
I · Intermediate · The laser run · 7 of 7Small faults cost 10 seconds each, and the athlete serves them standing still: at the start gate, at their shooting station or in a marked stop area on the last lap. Most are given only after a first warning. Serious faults, such as shooting two-handed or at the wrong target, mean elimination.
How it works
- Ten seconds: for a false start, a clothing fault or altered start numbers.
- Ten seconds after a warning: for not touching the table between shots, not standing freely with both feet on the ground or not placing the pistol safely.
- Each time: after the first warning, the penalty applies to every further infringement.
- Where it is served: before the next shooting series at the athlete's station.
- After the last series: in the last penalty stop area on the course.
- Approval: the range officer needs the Technical Delegate's approval before applying a shooting penalty.
- Elimination: for holding the pistol with two hands or supporting the arm, shooting on the wrong target, using an unapproved pistol or not completing the course.
- Also elimination: unauthorised help, not stopping in the penalty area when told, or leaving the range early with four green lights.
- Disqualification: for tampering with or swapping an approved pistol, obstructing another runner or a blatant early start.
- Leaving with three lights or fewer: treated as a blatant early start, so disqualification.
- Coaches: helping from outside the coaches' area in the warm-up brings a warning and then 10 seconds for the athlete.
The glossary has the penalty (laser run) entry, the last penalty stop area, the shooting station, the laser pistol, the shooting series and the handicap start.
Tricky cases
An athlete does not touch the table between two shots in the second series. Do they get 10 seconds?
A warning the first time. After that it is 10 seconds for each infringement, served before the next series.
The same fault happens in the final series. Where is the penalty served?
In the last penalty stop area, before the finish.
An athlete is told to stop in the penalty area and runs through. What follows?
Elimination.
An athlete's pistol fails and they borrow a team-mate's that has not been checked. Is that allowed?
No. Using an unapproved pistol means elimination. The reserve pistol must also have been approved by equipment control.
Why the rule exists
In a race, time is the natural currency, so penalties are paid in seconds on the spot and everyone watching can see the cost. Serving the last one in a stop area before the finish keeps the rule that matters most: the order across the line is the result.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Start-related faults | 10 seconds at the penalty start gate or shooting line | UIPM Appendix 5A |
| Shooting faults | Warning, then 10 seconds at the station or the last penalty area | UIPM 5.6.1; Appendix 5A |
| Serious faults | Elimination | UIPM 5.6.2 |
| Deliberate faults | Disqualification | UIPM 5.6.3 |
| Fencing, obstacle, swimming | Penalties are in points, not seconds | UIPM 2.7.2; 3.7.2; 4.8.1 |
From the rule book
UIPM, 2026 Modern Pentathlon Competition Rules and Equipment Regulations (as of 1 February 2026), Articles 5.2.3, 5.4.4, 5.4.5 and 5.6, with Appendix 5A. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UIPM Competition Rules and Equipment Regulations, 1 February 2026 (PDF).