Laser run was introduced by the UIPM during 2014 in an effort to increase international interest in the sport by enabling athletes to overcome difficulties regarding technologies and equipment to compete.

The format sees athletes take part in a running and shooting event, which the UIPM claim provides dynamic racing.

Athletes will face four rounds of laser pistol shooting from 10 metres in the Portuguese capital city, as well as running a distance of 800 metres after each shooting section.

The senior men’s title was claimed at the first edition of the World Championships by Alexandre Henrard, who led home his French team-mates Christopher Patte and Valentin Belaud in front of a home crowd in Perpignan.

Belarus’ Anastasiya Prokopenko secured the women’s title ahead of by Eevi Bengs of Finland and Canada’s Donna Vakalis.

Prokopenko also triumphed in last year’s mixed relay event, along with her fellow Belarusian Mikalai Hayanouski.

Several elite youth and masters competitions are due to take place tomorrow, with the elite junior and senior events rounding off the first day of action.

The mixed relay competitions are then scheduled for Sunday (September 4), with an awarding ceremony and cultural programme rounding off the Championships.

A "laser run for all" has also been arranged for tomorrow, which has been aimed at allowing fans, families and spectators to discover laser run and begin their entry into the sport.