Mossel Bay, South Africa: This December, the seaside hum of the Garden Route will be joined by something new: the sharp crack of a starting pistol and the cheer of both local and international crowds. For the first time, athletes from across Africa will stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s elite in Mossel Bay, turning a holiday town into a global sporting stage.
Between 8 and 13 December 2025, #ICONIC Mossel Bay will host the UIPM Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run World Championships, alongside the African Championships Laser Run. It’s a defining week for African sport, bringing together elite and youth athletes, para and able-bodied competitors, and teams from more than 30 nations.
"Hosting the UIPM Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run World Championship together with the African Championship, lets us open the door wider,” says Jenny O’Hanlon, SAMPA Secretary General. “The modern pentathlon family grows through progression. By breaking the sport into developmental disciplines such as Laser Run, Biathle, and Triathle, the UIPM and the Confederation of African Modern Pentathlon (CAPM) provide an easier, more inclusive entry point for athletes and nations. This is a strategic approach that builds both the skill base and the pipeline leading to the Olympic Pentathlon.”
Growing from local soil
Since 2003, the African Championships have had one purpose: creating a sporting platform that o]ers local athletes a stage to grow, compete, and take their first steps toward the Olympic arena. With dedication and vision, countries like South Africa and Egypt have contributed notably to its growth and are aiming to make pentathlon a sustainable, proudly African success story, one discipline at a time.
The recent African Championships held in July in Alexandria, Egypt, perfectly illustrate how the competition drives athlete development across the continent. The event o]ers a vital platform for African athletes to gain international experience, showcase their potential, and take decisive steps in their sporting careers. For well-known South African Pentathletes JC Schoeman, Marco Erasmus, and Josua Vorster (all from the Western Cape Modern Pentathlon Association), this opportunity translated into exceptional performances and podium finishes, achievements that earned them the prestigious honour of being awarded their Junior Protea Colours in July. Fellow teammates Kari Hillibrand and Gail Potgieter also delivered strong performances, demonstrating remarkable growth and competitive spirit on the international stage.
What fans can expect
From 8 - 13 December, #ICONIC Mossel Bay will host able-bodied and para-athletes competing in the UIPM World Championships, held alongside the African Championships Laser Run.
- Spectators can look forward to:
- Biathle: run–swim–run. A fast, continuous, and thrilling discipline to watch along the shoreline.
- Triathle: run–shoot–swim–run. A true test of rhythm and control.
- Laser Run: the crowd favourite, combining running laps with calm, precise laser shooting.
Event at a glance
- What: UIPM Biathle, Triathle & Laser Run World Championships + African Championships Laser Run
- When: 8 - 13 December 2025 (competition week)
8 December Biathle Semi–Finals
9 December Biathle Finals o 10 December Triathle Semi-Finals
11 December Triathle Finals o 12 December Laser Run Semi-Finals o
13 December Laser Run Finals
- Where: Mossel Bay (Santos Beach & surrounds), Western Cape, South Africa
- Who: Global elites, para athletes, masters, juniors and continental contenders from across Africa
- Why it matters:
For one extraordinary week in December, Africa (Mossel Bay) will host TWO major international competitions on one stage, the UIPM World Championships and African Championships, bringing together the best of global and continental sport.
A first for the Garden Route: The event unites world and continental titles in a single venue, with both able-bodied and para-athletes competing side by side, a true celebration of inclusivity and excellence.
Elite talent meets rising stars: Expect to see reigning world champions from Egypt and Lithuania alongside South Africa’s most promising new athletes; an incredible chance to capture world-class performances and local breakthroughs in one setting.
A catalyst for African sport: This championship is a launchpad for the next generation of African pentathletes, inspiring participation and performance across the continent.
From the thrill of international rivalry to the heart of homegrown talent, this event offers rich human stories, spectacular visuals, and powerful sporting moments, all in one unforgettable week.
Event details:
- Location: Santos Beach Mossel Bay
- Dates: 8 - 13 December 2025
- Disciplines: Biathle, Triathle, Laser Run
- Abled Bodied & Para-athletes will be participating in the event
