Sprints, jumps and relays announced as part of events in the World Athletics Ultimate Championship
World Athletics unveiled the Ultimate Championship last week: the latest global event set to transform the athletics calendar and define which athlete is the best of the best — clashing in 28 events across the three evenings of competition.
"Competing against the best in the world is always a privilege. This new event in 2026 will be incredible and will allow the best athletes to compete in a major championship in a non-Olympic or World Championships year. It’s great to have an event in 2026 that will give us a championship focus, and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship does that. I remember the amazing crowds in Budapest at the 2023 World Championships, so can’t wait to run for gold in 2026," Olympic gold medallist Gabby Thomas said.
Pitting world champions, Olympic champions, the Wanda Diamond League winners and the year’s best-performing athletes against each other in 16 disciplines. The programme will feature 26 individual events – 16 track and 10 field – plus two relays, including the new mixed 4x100m.
World Athletics Ultimate Championship disciplines:
- 100m
- Pole vault
- 200m
- High jump
- 400m
- Long jump
- 800m
- Triple jump (W)
- 1500m
- Hammer (M)
- 5000m
- Javelin
- 100m/110m hurdles
- Mixed 4x100m
- 400m hurdles
- Mixed 4x400m
Aside from being crowned the best of the best, these athletes will all be competing for their share of a record-setting prize pot of US$10 million (€9.5 million) – with champions set to receive US$150,000 (€143,977).
World Athletics has been a pioneering voice in the sports world in introducing prize money within the sport and expanding it to the Olympic stage. Coe, who is running for the IOC presidency, also looks to expand this practice to other sports and has made it the cornerstone of his campaign.
The inaugural edition of this sensational sports showdown will be held on 11-13 September 2026 in Budapest.
