The World Athletics Ultimate Championship, a new season-ending biennial track and field meet, is set to take place in Budapest in September 2026. The competition will span three nights and feature eight to 16 athletes per event. Qualifying for the championship will be primarily based on world rankings, with semifinals and finals for track events and finals for field events. Relay races will also be a part of the competition, with winners receiving $150,000 from a total prize pool of $10 million.
The championship will be held in years without world outdoor championships, typically occurring every odd year. The event aims to include more athletes and will be held over a period of nine days. It will take place after the conclusion of the annual Diamond League season, providing athletes with an additional opportunity to compete at a high level.
In other track and field news, Christian Taylor, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the triple jump, has announced his plans to retire after the 2024 Paris Games. Taylor, who has had a successful career in the sport, is looking to make one final push at the Olympics before stepping away from competition.
