UIPM Launches Global Obstacle Club Map to Connect Athletes With Training Opporunities

The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) has launched the Global Obstacle Club Map, a dynamic new resource designed to make Obstacle training more accessible than ever before.  

Available now via web browser and the UIPM Central app*, the map is a collaboration with the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) that enables users to locate and connect with more than 200 Obstacle clubs and gyms across the world. Click below to watch a short promotional video about the Global Obstacle Map.

With features including interactive directions, facility specifications, contact information and promotional videos, the map is a one-stop destination for aspiring and experienced athletes looking to train in this fast-growing sport. 

As the only recognised governing body of Obstacle sport within the Olympic movement, UIPM provides the map as the latest milestone in the development and global reach of Obstacle – the newest addition to the Pentathlon Multisports family.

UIPM President Rob Stull OLY said: “The Global Obstacle Club Map is a fantastic step forward for our community. It brings visibility to a growing network of training centres, clubs and gyms, and gives athletes at every level a pathway into the sport. This is about opportunity, accessibility and inclusion on a global scale.”

UNAA CEO Bob Clark added: “The development of UIPM and its integration into obstacle sport is a huge step for the obstacle sport community. Many gyms across the world are interested in being part of this process. With so many obstacle gyms and ninja gyms around the world that people can train at, UIPM and UNAA have combined their list of gyms, providing a map that will help all athletes to have better access to many training facilities.

“UNAA is so excited to be part of this process with UIPM. We welcome other leagues to also provide a list of their gyms to help advance the sport.”

The map initially has a particularly extensive presence in North America, especially in the United States (host of the next Summer Olympic Games), and in Europe. Clubs and facilities not yet listed are invited to join by submitting a brief form. 

Whether you are looking to start training or expand your reach as a club, the Global Obstacle Club Map is the perfect place to begin. 

About UIPM: The UIPM (the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne) has governed the core Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon since its formation in 1948. Today it oversees a range of multi-discipline sports (Tetrathlon, Triathle, Biathle, Laser Run and Obstacle Laser Run) which form a development pyramid with Modern Pentathlon at the top. In 2022, UIPM Congress voted to introduce Obstacle as one of Modern Pentathlon’s five disciplines, replacing Riding – and in 2025 the new format will be introduced at all levels.

About Modern Pentathlon: Created especially for the Modern Olympic Games by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the sport was introduced in Stockholm in 1912 and has been a fixture of the Summer Games ever since. The format has been adapted to suit the 21st century and the Modern Pentathlon now consists of Fencing, Obstacle Swimming and Laser Run.