The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship will offer the largest financial reward in track and field history, with a total prize pot of £7.3million ($10m) for competing athletes.
The three-night championship runs from September 11-13, 2026, at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary. It includes 13 individual events for men and women, alongside two relay events, including the senior championship debut of the mixed 4x100m.
Prize breakdown for winners and relay teams
Every individual winner takes home £110k ($150k), while second place secures £55k ($75k) and third place earns £29k ($40k). Relay teams compete for a shared top reward of £59k ($80k) to split amongst team members.
Unlike traditional global track and field tournaments, no customary gold, silver, or bronze medals will be awarded to podium finishers. Every participating athlete receives a custom participation token upon arrival, and event winners are awarded a specially created trophy into which their token slots directly.
Qualification and star names
Entrants secure automatic entry by winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, victory at the Tokyo World Championships, or taking home a Diamond League overall title. Other places are allocated via global world rankings, with sprinting legend Usain Bolt serving as the official Ultimate Legend.
