Beijing will host the inaugural Obstacle World Championships (OCR) from 2025 to 2028, the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) announced. The event marks a milestone in the sport's integration into modern pentathlon, with competitions set to take place at the iconic 2008 Summer Olympics sports complex starting October 2025.
The new championship follows the formal addition of obstacle racing as a modern pentathlon discipline in November 2024, merging urban athleticism with traditional multisport competition. UIPM President Rob Stull emphasized the event's dual purpose: fostering competition between pentathletes and specialized OCR athletes while expanding the sport's global audience.
This development positions Beijing as a hub for innovative sporting events, leveraging its Olympic legacy infrastructure. Analysts suggest the championships could boost sports tourism and provide fresh opportunities for regional businesses. The decision also reflects China's growing influence in shaping contemporary sports trends.
