2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest

The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship will be held in Budapest from September 11-13, 2026, featuring a total of 28 events, including the debut of the mixed 4x100 metres relay. This biennial event aims to revolutionize athletics with a fast-paced format, providing a unique viewing experience both in-stadium and globally. Athletes will compete for a record prize pot of $10 million, with gold medallists receiving $150,000. The championship will include 26 individual events and two relays, with each session lasting under three hours to captivate audiences. Notably, traditional disciplines like the decathlon and heptathlon will be omitted to streamline the competition. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe emphasized the event's innovative approach to showcasing top athletes in a dynamic setting, aiming to engage fans like never before.