School to host world laser run qualifier

The event is being hosted by Pentathlon Academy at Leweston School, the club's home training ground

A school is "very excited" to be hosting a qualifier for an international sporting competition, an instructor has said.

The Laser Run World Championships qualifier will be held at Leweston School in Sherborne, Dorset, on Sunday, ahead of the international event in China in June.

It is part of a two-day event also including a tetrathlon, triathlon, and pentathlon, that will see 190 athletes - including about 20 students - compete.

Assistant head coach of pentathlon, Natalie Perrett, said laser running consisted of "laser shooting at targets" and running.

She added: "It’s very exciting... it's not often you get events like this in Dorset.

"I don't think there's any other schools that do these sorts of events.

"We're quite a big pentathlon school."

Natalie Perrett and Mick Flaherty set up the course on Friday in preparation for the weekend event

The athletes' age groups range from under 9s to 60+, according to Mick Flaherty, head coach of pentathlon, and GB biathle and triathle coach.

"They can all qualify for world championships in their age category," he said.

There will also be about 20 students taking part, with more on the side lines supporting, Ms Perrett said.

Weather problems

Ms Perrett and Mr Flaherty have grappled with challenges posed by the weather.

"We're having to change the run course slightly because we’ve had so much rain," said Mr Flaherty.

"It will make us have to think a little bit outside the box for the running course."

But, despite the challenges, the mood has been positive, Ms Perrett said.

"Everything’s going to go ahead," she said.