Laser Run Unveiled: Your Ultimate Guide to Modern Pentathlon at the Paris Olympics

At the Paris Olympics, athletes in this sport will compete in a speedy, revamped version of the competition at the iconic Palace of Versailles.

PARIS, France — The modern pentathlon, which derives from the Greek meaning “contest of five events,” is set to debut a faster, revamped format at the Paris Olympics, taking place at the iconic Palace of Versailles. This all-around competition tests athletes in five challenging sports.

Here’s what to know as the modern pentathlon begins at the Paris Olympics.

Equestrian

In the equestrian event, athletes navigate a show jumping obstacle course with a horse they’ve only just met, assigned to them 20 minutes before competing.

Fencing

The fencing portion consists of two rounds. Athletes fence every other competitor in one-minute bouts in the ranking round, followed by a 45-second, single-elimination bonus round.

Swimming

Competitors engage in a 200-meter freestyle swim, earning points based on their times.

Laser Run

For the laser run, athletes’ rankings are based on their scores from the previous events. They then set off on a race combining running and shooting at targets over a total distance of 3,200 meters with four shooting stops. The first to cross the finish line wins gold.

Modern pentathlon changes

Traditionally, these events are spread over several days, but in an effort to boost its popularity, the semifinals and finals will be condensed into 90-minute competitions at the Paris Olympics. Notably, Paris will also be the last Olympics to include the equestrian event in the pentathlon. The 2028 Olympics will see horse riding replaced by obstacle racing.

Modern pentathlon schedule at the Paris Olympics

5:00 a.m. EDT: Men’s and women’s fencing ranking rounds

7:00 a.m. EDT: Men’s Semifinal A

11:00 a.m. EDT: Men’s Semifinal B

3:30 a.m. EDT: Women’s Semifinal A

7:30 a.m. EDT: Women’s Semifinal B

11:30 a.m. EDT: Men’s Final

2:00 a.m. EDT: Women’s Final

While the modern pentathlon garners interest, it isn’t the only multi-event sport at the Paris Olympics.

What is the heptathlon?

The heptathlon features female athletes competing across seven track and field events over two days. Day one includes the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, and the 200 meters. Day two covers the long jump, javelin, and 800 meters. Points are awarded for each event with the winner being the athlete scoring the highest total points. The heptathlon will take place on August 8 and August 9, 2024.

What is a decathlon?

The decathlon features male athletes competing in ten track and field events over two days. The first day includes the 100 meters, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400 meters. The second day covers the 110-meter hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1500 meters. Points are similarly awarded in each event, with the highest total score determining the winner. The decathlon remains a male-only event.