Introduction

If you happen to have an affinity for 19th-century military tales of derring-do, modern pentathlon might be worth a closer look. To most, this sport seems like a random collection of activities, but to the Mills & Boon enthusiast it encapsulates a romantic legend in which, years ago, a young (and undoubtedly handsome) French cavalry officer ventured behind enemy lines on horseback to deliver a message. To complete his mission, he had to ride, fence, shoot, swim, run and snog a swooning mademoiselle with tongues. For the modern pentathlon, they dropped the last one.

The basics

So there are five separate sports to get involved in here: horse riding, fencing, swimming (200m freestyle), shooting laser guns (YES!) and running 3km. These last two are combined in a thrilling Battle Royale-style climax to the day. No – that's a lie. There's no killing or maiming involved.

The best way to begin is with one event, then by signing up for small combined events, working your way up to all five – for example you could start with a biathlon (run and swim), move on to modern triathlon (swim, run, shoot) or tetrathlon (fence, swim, run, shoot) before tackling your first pentathlon.

Health benefits

If ever there was an all-rounder of an event, the modern pentathlon is it: there's no muscle group you won't work. Survival is no longer the main point.

Equipment, costs and practicalities

This is not an event for the small-budgeted among you. The running and swimming aspects are inexpensive, but the cost of fencing, shooting and riding can be considerable. Pentathlon in the UK is run regionally – go to this page to locate contacts for yours. Each region organises development training sessions under qualified coaches. At these training sessions you should be able to borrow equipment, with a small charge for maintenance.

Most competitors learn to shoot using air pistols. These can be purchased secondhand for around £100, and to do so you need to be aware of the legislation on carrying and using air weapons. A new air pistol can cost up to £900. Fencing equipment will cost around £350. Check with your local club to see if they loan or sell secondhand kit. You don't need your own horse, but you do need to have a riding competency certificate in order to enter competitions.

Trendiness rating: 7/10

It's basically superhero training.

Inside line

Jon Austin, chief executive of Pentathlon GB: "Modern pentathlon is unique, with athletes tackling a combination of different sports in one day. You don't have to take them all up at once though. Many athletes start by enjoying swimming and running and then add one sport at a time until they can do all five. Thousands of young people take part in our schools biathlon championships each year, where we offer the opportunity to also have a go at shooting and fencing in a safe and fun environment."

Find out more

pentathlongb.org – Pentathlon GB (national governing body).

pentathlon-scotland.org/ – Pentathlon Scotland.

pentathlon.org/ – the homepage for the Union International de Pentathlon Moderne.

You may also like

James Bond films, triathlon.

You might hate

BMX, basketball.

Over to you

Are you a pentathlete? Help us build up this resource by sharing tips, videos, links to clubs and anything else that beginners might find useful.