Building on the success of its debut edition, International Biathlon Day (IBD) is returning on 30 May 2026, with more nations than ever before preparing to host special events to celebrate the sport and get more people involved in biathlon.

Over 30 National Federations will host activities from first-time try-outs and master classes to competitions, with around 10,000 people expected to discover the excitement of biathlon and para biathlon through numerous activations taking place across the world. The events are designed to combine the demands of endurance sport with the focus and precision of shooting, in a format that is as enjoyable to watch as it is to take part in.

The IBD forms a key part of the IBU’s Biathlon 4 All programme, which is dedicated to growing the sport by making it accessible, fun and welcoming, particularly for young people, families and newcomers. Some of the most exciting events this year include:

• France is launching the very first stage of its brand-new Biathlon Run National Tour on IBD, kicking off what promises to be a landmark series for French biathlon. More information here.

• Italy is hosting "Biathlon meets Giro d'Italia" on Friday, 29 May 2026 in Aviano, Friuli Venezia Giulia, a day early, to coincide with the Grand Tour cycling race as it passes through the region. Special guests expected to attend include biathlon stars Dominik Windisch and Nicola Romanin. More information here.

• Lithuania brings IBD to the heart of its capital on 30 May with a public event running from 10:00 to 14:00 in Vilnius' Vingis Park. Visitors will have the chance to try biathlon with laser rifles and get tips directly from members of the national Olympic team. More information here.

• Poland will celebrate with two editions of its popular "Biathlon dla Każdego" ("Biathlon for Everyone") event on 30 May in Kudowa-Zdrój and on 31 May in Ludwikowice Kłodzkie. More information here.

• Slovenia is celebrating the day with a “Biathlon Circuit” held outdoors in front of the Odiseja cinema in Ljubljana. Visitors of all ages will be able to test their speed, accuracy, and focus, competing for a place among the top 5 results of the day. The top participants will compete head-to-head with members of the Slovenian national team in a special live challenge. More information here.

• Sweden launched its celebrations early, starting on 23 May with a public biathlon activation during the Göteborgsvarvet event in Gothenburg - one of the world's largest running races - bringing biathlon to a huge new audience. More information here.

• Switzerland is going beyond the traditional biathlon audience with events embedded in two major occasions: the Special Olympics National Games in Zug and the Youth Shooting Festival in Chur. More information here.

• South Korea joins IBD for the very first time in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of the celebration.

Based on the applications received, the IBU is supporting 26 National Federations through a dedicated fund covering paid social media campaigns, content creators, event organisation and promotional activities, helping ensure that IBD 2026 reaches further than ever before.

For more information on International Biathlon Day 2026 and to find an event near you, visit the Biathlon 4 All website.

Photo: IBU