The first World Athletics Ultimate Championships are scheduled to take place in Budapest from Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September, concluding the 2026 outdoor track season. The event, held at the National Athletics Centre, is designed to fill the gap in non-Olympic or World Championship years, pitting the sport's biggest names against each other.
A significant prize pot of $10m (£7.3m) has been announced for the championships, with individual event winners set to receive $150,000 (£110,000). The competition aims for a fast-paced format to engage viewers, featuring semi-finals for sprint and hurdle events, with the top four progressing to the final. Distance races and field events will be straight finals.
Qualification for the championships includes Olympic champions from Paris, gold medallists from last year's World Championships in Tokyo, 2026 Diamond League winners, or athletes within the top 12 of World Athletics rankings. Wildcards have also been granted to British star Josh Kerr and Norwegian rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen for the 1500m event, which is expected to be a highlight. Other athletes set to feature include Keely Hodgkinson in the 800m and Amy Hunt.