PENTATHLON Ireland, which attracts many of its younger members from among Branches of the Irish Pony Club, is keen to see if others, from the many varied equestrian disciplines in the country, would like to try their sport.

The association is hosting the UIPM (Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne) Laser Run World Championships on Saturday and Sunday next, September 29th and 30th, in Trinity College, Dublin where over 400 athletes from 22 nations are due to compete. There’s no riding phase, but it’s a good place to start.

Participants will commence with a short sprint to the shooting range. From there, using a laser pistol, they shoot their designated target until they register five successful hits, or for 50 seconds, whichever comes first. They will then leave the range and run a circuit, returning to the shooting range for round two of the shoot. They complete this circuit four times alternating between running and shooting to a total of 3.2km and 20 direct hits on the target.

Depending on age categories, the length and distance of the shooting range and run may vary.

On Saturday, the international elite athletes (ranging in ages from 13 years to 70+), together with a number of top Irish athletes, will compete in the various age and distance categories for the Championship title followed on Sunday by the Elite Mixed Relay and the Open competitions. The weekend will finish up with a fun Team Charity Relay with all proceeds going to Laura Lynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice. Teams of four athletes – two adults and two children – will run 400m each and shoot five targets in what should be fun and exciting races.

Pentathlon Ireland invites all to visit Trinity over the weekend and be a part of this exciting and unique event. If you go on the Sunday, bring your runners as entries will be taken on the day for the Team Charity Relay and the organisers will be make up teams too if needs be. If you are looking for some training beforehand, Pentathlon Ireland have free sessions every Saturday at the National Sports Campus.

Registration can be made for both events online at www.laserrun.ie or for further information contact Pentathlon Ireland on Dublin 625 1134.