The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships is set to take place in Budapest, featuring a highly anticipated 1500m showdown between Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr. This new competition aims to conclude the 2026 track season and will showcase many of the sport’s elite athletes over three days in the Hungarian capital, with significant prize money on the line.

What is the World Athletics Ultimate Championships?

This innovative event is designed to fill the gap during non-Olympic or World Championship years, bringing together top athletes for a highly lucrative competition. World Athletics has touted it as offering the biggest prize pot in track and field history.

Competition Format

The championships promise to be fast-paced and engaging, featuring:

• Two semi-finals in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, and 400m hurdles, with the top four athletes advancing to the finals.
• Straight finals for the 1500m, 5000m, and relays.
• All field events will also be straight finals, with athletes guaranteed two attempts in the horizontal jumps and throws.

Qualification Criteria

To qualify, athletes must be:

• An Olympic champion from Paris.
• A gold medallist from the 2026 World Championships or a 2026 Diamond League winner.
• Ranked within the top 12 of the World Athletics rankings.

Notably, wildcards have been awarded to Kerr and Ingebrigtsen for the 1500m event.

Event Schedule

The competition will unfold over three days, from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, at Budapest's National Athletics Centre, featuring three-hour sessions each evening.

Viewing Options

Fans in the UK can watch all three days live on the BBC, with streaming available on iPlayer.

Prize Money

World Athletics is offering a record $10 million (£7.3 million) in prize money, with individual event winners set to receive $150,000 (£110,000) each.

This championship promises to deliver thrilling athletic performances and intense rivalries, setting a new standard in the sport.