Sport: Track & Field Category: Scores & Results

World Athletics launches new Ultimate Championship event this Friday in Budapest

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 5:30 PM

Last updated Sep 10, 2026

World Athletics launches new Ultimate Championship event this Friday in Budapest

Summary

World Athletics introduces the Ultimate Championship in Budapest beginning Friday night. The three-day competition features a $10 million prize fund and aims to showcase top-tier athletes through a streamlined event format. Organizers have incorporated technology to enhance the spectator experience, including augmented reality graphics to display win probabilities. Equipment such as javelins and hammers will also be modified with glowing elements to improve visibility against the black infield surface. Sprinters competing at the event stand to earn as much as $337,500 over the course of 48 hours for short-duration races. The event serves as a new platform designed to feature high-level competition and provide increased financial opportunities for participants.

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The Guardian Sport

By the Numbers

•The Ultimate Championship begins Friday in Budapest.
•The event offers a total prize fund of $10 million.
•Athletes receive increased financial rewards for short-duration performances.
•Augmented reality and glowing equipment will be used to enhance viewer visibility.

Latest Updates

5:30 PMThe Guardian Sport — Glowing javelins and a $10m prize fund usher in a brave new world for track and field

What they're saying

"
The Ultimate Championship aims to revolutionise the sport with promises of bigger prize money and a greater role for athletes Track and field’s brave new world begins in Budapest on Friday night. The action will be fast-paced and slick, with augmented reality showing athletes’ win percentages and javelins and hammers that glow, making them easier to see on a black infield. In the space of 48 hours, a top sprinter could earn $337,500 (£250,000) for just over a minute’s work. It is all part of the new World Athletics Ultimate Championship, a three-day event with a prize fund of $10m which is designed to pit the best against the best, and kick off a minor revolution in the sport. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Sean Ingle in Budapest

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External links

The Guardian SportSep 10, 2026, 5:30 PM
Glowing javelins and a $10m prize fund usher in a brave new world for track and field
The Ultimate Championship aims to revolutionise the sport with promises of bigger prize money and a greater role for athletes Track and field’s brave new world begins in Budapest on Friday night. The action will be fast-paced and slick, with augmented reality showing athletes’ win percentages and javelins and hammers that glow, making them easier to see on a black infield. In the space of 48 hours, a top sprinter could earn $337,500 (£250,000) for just over a minute’s work. It is all part of the new World Athletics Ultimate Championship, a three-day event with a prize fund of $10m which is designed to pit the best against the best, and kick off a minor revolution in the sport. Continue reading...

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