Sarasota-Bradenton lands world pentathlon events

Sarasota-Bradenton has been named the host of four world pentathlon events in 2014, 2015 and 2016. 

The region will be the first in the United States to host a pentathlon world cup final.

Today, the Pentathlon International Federation announced it has chosen Sarasota-Bradenton to host the world cup finals for modern pentathlon in June 2014, a world cup event in March 2015, a world cup final and the U.S. Olympic qualifying event in June 2016.

Pentathlon is an Olympic sport made of five events: fencing, pistol shooting, equestrian, swimming and running.

Most of the pentathlon events will also be held at Nathan Benderson Park.

Former Congresswoman Katherine Harris and Paul Blackketter, president of the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, the organization tasked with managing events at Nathan Benderson Park, led the charge to bring the event to the area.

This marks the second Olympic-level sport to commit to Sarasota-Bradenton. 

In September, Sarasota’s Nathan Benderson Park was named the venue for the 2017 World Rowing Championships, the sport’s biggest competition outside of the Olympics.

Learn about how Sarasota-Bradenton attracted the pentathlon events in the Dec. 5 issue of the East County Observer. 

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected].