GENEVA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) announced Wednesday that Universal Studios Beijing will host the UIPM 2026 Obstacle World Championships from September 2 to 6, as part of the "Race Across China" initiative that will combine UIPM's Pentathlon and Obstacle World Championships for the first time.
"The choice of a major theme park to host the second edition of UIPM's Obstacle Racing showpiece marks the International Federation's entry into an exciting realm of sport-tourism alliances," UIPM said. "The idea came to life through an innovative partnership between UIPM, Beijing Capital Tourism Group, Beijing Sports Bureau and the Chinese Modern Pentathlon Association."
Beijing hosted the inaugural edition of the tournament at the National Olympic Sports Center last year. This year's competition will feature the 100-meter, 400-meter and 3-kilometer individual events, as well as a new 4x100-meter relay and the 3-kilometer team event.
UIPM President Rob Stull said the move from a traditional sports venue to a theme park represented a new direction for the sport.
"We are charting a path from the past to the future, as we move from a traditional Olympic Stadium venue to a completely new hosting concept in a major theme park resort," Stull said. "I can promise the people of China and international visitors to Universal Studios that what they will see in Beijing in September will be unlike anything they've seen before." ■
