Josh Kerr is primed for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest this weekend, where a $150,000 prize awaits the winner of the richest event in track and field history. The Scot, who has competed only five times in 2026, secured his spot via a wild card from World Athletics.
Despite criticism for his limited race schedule and missing the European championships, Kerr maintains he is not a "robot" and strategically targets a few major events annually. This year, he has broken the world mile record, achieved a personal best in the 800m, and won gold at the world indoor championships (3,000m) and Commonwealth Games (1500m).
Kerr is set to face double Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the 1500m final on Sunday, following Ingebrigtsen's scheduled 5,000m race on Friday. Kerr expressed excitement for the challenge, stating, "I'm not going to lose, but I'm excited to go out there and race."
The new three-day Ultimate Championship, which has a $10m prize fund, is also a testing ground for innovations like a black infield and a party-style atmosphere, aiming to attract a younger audience. Kerr believes the event and improved prize money signify positive progress for the sport.