Curro Heuwelkruin learner qualifies for Laser Run World Championships
07 July 2023Calvin Dias, a Grade 11 learner from Curro Heuwelkruin represented Limpopo where he competed at the South African Modern Pentathlon Laser Run Championships on Saturday, 24 June 2023.
The Pentathlon Laser Run is a multisport competition that ultimately involves a fusion of endurance, precision, and shooting accuracy. The races are only for the top fit athlete as they are fast-paced and a true challenge, where athletes can showcase their multi-faceted skills.
The Laser Run is the most exciting creation of the Union Internationale Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM), coming from the combined event and launched in 2015 as a stand-alone as the last part of the full Modern Pentathlon competition. These fast-paced races include rounds of laser pistol shooting from 5m to 10m and running laps from 300m to 600m for athletes ages 7-80. Athletes must hit a target in the green a total of five times before they can run to the finish line.
Calvin who only started participating in 2022 proved his endurance, precision, and shooting accuracy and completed the race in an incredible time of 11:48.
“My goal was to come in under 12 minutes even though the South African Modern Pentathlon Association (SAMPA) world qualifying time is 12:58. I was very happy with the time that I completed the race in. I worked hard this year to be able to qualify, as I just missed the qualifying time last year,” Calvin said about his achievement.
Calvin will be competing at the UIPM 2023 Laser Run World Championships in Bath, Great Britain from 19 to 21 August 2023.
To prepare for the World Championships Calvin says, “I spend about an hour a day practicing my shooting. Within that hour I run to get my heart rate up and then shoot again which preps me for events. I try and get my shoot more consistent and accurate before an event”.
We wish Calvin the best! Keep an eye out for Calvin’s UIPM 2023 Laser Run World Championships results.