Record 21 U.S. athletes competing at this weekend’s Nationals, featuring Canada’s first UIPM head-to-head obstacle course
Calgary & Okotoks, AB – Pentathlon is gearing up for major sporting milestones at the 2025 Modern Pentathlon National Championships from July 25–26 in Calgary and Okotoks. The event will unite Canada’s top pentathletes as they take on Canada’s first UIPM head-to-head obstacle course and compete against a record contingent of U.S. athletes.
The Nationals are more than a domestic showdown. Fifty-five athletes will compete across the Olympic sport’s five disciplines: fencing, swimming, laser run (running + laser shooting), and obstacle. These Nationals mark a leap forward in our country’s modern pentathlon evolution.
Canada’s first-ever UIPM head-to-head obstacle course, developed by Atlas Obstacle & Pentathlon Club and Breathe Parkour in collaboration with Pentathlon Canada, reflects pentathlon’s global shift toward obstacle racing. The obstacle discipline will be part of the Pentathlon competition at the next Olympics for the first time in Games’ history.
“Having access to a facility like Calgary’s Breathe Parkour for obstacle is a game-changer for our athletes and coaches. We’re also incredibly proud to host so many American athletes in Alberta this weekend,” says Rod Staveley, President of Pentathlon Canada. “It reflects the strength of the North American pentathlon community and how far the sport has come and the anticipation for LA 2028.”
“This facility gives our athletes the opportunity to train and compete at home on a world-class obstacle course,” adds Shelley Callaghan, Executive Director of Pentathlon Canada. It also encourages more international athletes to come to Canada, raising the bar for all of us.
Kevin Montford, CEO, USA Pentathlon Multisport, adds “We’re honored to participate in Canada’s National Championships for the first time. USA Pentathlon Multisport deeply values the friendship and collaboration between our organizations and sees this as an important step toward a more unified North American pentathlon community. Creating more opportunities for our athletes to compete and grow together on the Road to LA 2028 will benefit us all.”
“There’s a real buzz this year,” says Joshua Riker-Fox, 2008 Olympian and now coach with Pentathlon Canada and Ares Pentathlon. “Between the new format, the U.S. presence, and the energy on course, this is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend for Canadian pentathlon.”
These Canadian Nationals span two cities and welcome 55 athletes in age groups from U13 through to Masters, with Canadian athletes such as Elliot Ray (ON), Quinn Schulz (SK), Beatrice Moyen-Sylvestre (QC), Nicolas Bolouri (QC), Elena Arkison(AB), Connor Chow (AB), set to compete. The first edition of the Modern Pentathlon National Championships was held in Sarnia (ON) in 1972.
From future Olympians to first-time racers, this is a rare chance to see the sport at every level. Luke Filar of Team USA, who recently gained recognition as a competitor on American Ninja Warrior will be competing. Filar will race the obstacle course alongside Canada’s rising stars on Saturday morning at Breathe Parkour.
Spectators are welcome and all events are free to attend—including the obstacle races at Breathe Parkour in Calgary and the fencing, swimming, and laser run events in Okotoks.
The Government of Canada is a proud partner who supports the hosting of the 2025 Modern Pentathlon National Championships from July 25 – 27, in Okotoks/Calgary, Alberta.
Pentathlon Canada also recognizes Marvel & Snap whose multi-year partnership has helped elevate our sport and empower our athletes.
Pentathlon Canada also thanks the many event sponsors who are contributing to the Canadian National’s success.
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Event Highlights
FRIDAY, JULY 25 – BREATHE PARKOUR, CALGARY
Obstacle (U13 and younger): 4:30–5:40 PM
Obstacle (U15–U19 & Masters): 5:30–6:40 PM
SATURDAY, JULY 26 – CALGARY & OKOTOKS
In Calgary: Obstacle (Junior & Senior): 9:00–10:10 AM
Feature: Team USA’s Luke Filar competes 9:15–10:10 AM
In Okotoks:
Fencing: Okotoks Recreation Centre, 11:00 AM
Swimming: Riley Minue Pool
Laser Run: Wiley Athletic Park (following swim)
More info: https://tinyurl.com/3uhnmmry
Media Contacts
Aline Lafrenière
(819) 664‑1564
alinemlafreniere@gmail.com
Shelley Callaghan
(613) 324-1798
executivedirector@pentathloncanada.ca