World Athletics has unveiled a new global championship set to begin in 2026, featuring the largest prize fund in the sport’s history.
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship will bring together world champions, Olympic champions, Diamond League winners, and the year’s top athletes to compete while representing their national teams.
The event will boast a $10 million (£7.87 million) prize fund, with gold medallists receiving $150,000 (£118,000).
Competition will take place over three evening sessions, including sprints, middle and long-distance races, relays, jumps, and throws.
World Athletics describes the event as “the ultimate season finale,” offering a “thrilling and fast-moving new format for athletics.”
Budapest, which hosted last year’s World Championship, will host the inaugural event from September 11-13, 2026. The championship will be held biennially, with future host cities to be determined.
“With only the best of the best on show and cutting straight to semi-finals and finals, we will create an immediate pressure to perform for athletes,” said World Athletics president Lord Coe.
“The World Athletics Ultimate Championship will be high on action and excitement for fans, setting a new standard for track and field events.
“Featuring athletics’ biggest stars, it will be a must-watch global sports event and means track and field will host a major global championship in every single year, ensuring for the first time that athletics will enjoy a moment of maximum audience reach on an annual basis.”
