Olympic training centre welcomed to Hyndburn
The project is being driven by the North West Pentathlon Hub, whose volunteers have raised more than £20,000 to purchase specialist equipment and upskill coaches
Athletes from Hyndburn and across the North West are set to benefit from a major new sporting facility after plans have progressed for the installation of an Olympic-standard modern pentathlon obstacle course in Clayton-le-Moors.
The project is being driven by the North West Pentathlon Hub, whose volunteers have raised more than £20,000 to purchase specialist equipment and upskill coaches, with Hyndburn Council matching this funding to cover groundworks, fencing and the construction of an accessible path.
The announcement follows the approval of plans for a permanent pentathlon obstacle training rig at Wilsons Playing Fields, within the athletics track at the Whalley Road sports complex operated by Hyndburn Leisure.
Planning documents described the facility as potentially becoming the only dedicated modern pentathlon obstacle training rig in the UK outside the national performance centre at the University of Bath.
The steel-framed structure will occupy a 272-square-metre compound in the athletics infield and feature a range of obstacles designed to test speed, agility, strength and coordination.
Currently, athletes in the North West must travel hundreds of miles to Bath to access comparable facilities.
The new obstacle course will add to the sporting offer already available at the recently opened Cath Thom Leisure Centre, which includes swimming, athletics, fitness and outdoor sports facilities.
Supporters say the venue’s mix of facilities makes it ideally placed to support all disciplines of modern pentathlon and help young athletes progress through local, regional and national performance pathways.
Modern pentathlon has undergone major changes in recent years, with horse riding removed from the Olympic sport and replaced by obstacle racing. The new discipline will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games and has been described by organisers as a fast-paced, head-to-head format inspired by the popularity of Ninja Warrior-style challenges.
The North West Pentathlon Hub already supports more than 60 members, ranging from beginners to international medallists, with several young athletes currently competing on Pentathlon GB’s development pathway.
The club hopes the new facility will increase participation and strengthen links with local schools, introducing more young people to the multi-sport discipline.
Councillor Munsif Dad, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local organisations work together with a shared ambition.
“The North West Pentathlon Hub volunteers have shown incredible commitment in raising the funds for the equipment, and we are delighted to support the delivery of the facility.
“The obstacle course will create opportunities for local people to develop their talent, pursue their sporting ambitions and access facilities that are normally only available much further afield. It is an investment not only in sport, but in the future of our young people and our community.”
Deputy council leader Melissa Fisher said the project was a natural fit for the vision behind the Cath Thom Leisure Centre.
She said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to provide a pathway for local athletes to progress from grassroots participation through to elite competition in the full pentathlon.”
Dr Nic Robinson MBE, lead coach at the North West Pentathlon Hub, said the obstacle rig would complete the club’s ability to train athletes across all pentathlon disciplines.
He said: “The obstacle rig provides North West Pentathlon Hub the final training piece to train in all pentathlon sports disciplines for both our current members and creating initiatives for new participants.
“This project has demonstrated a blueprint of true partnership between Hyndburn Leisure Trust and Hyndburn Borough Council in showcasing this amazing multi-sport and bringing more opportunities to our community as well as the wider sporting community.”
Hyndburn Leisure chief executive Lyndsey Sims said the organisation was proud to have helped bring the project to life.
She added: “This new facility strengthens our sporting offer even further and provides an exciting opportunity for athletes across the region to train to the highest standards here in Hyndburn, while also encouraging more young people to get involved in sport and physical activity.”
Work is expected to begin later this month, with the North West Pentathlon Hub hoping to welcome both experienced athletes and newcomers shortly afterwards.