The inaugural 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship is set to debut in Budapest, showcasing a new mixed 4×100 metres relay alongside other disciplines. Athletes will represent both themselves and their nations while competing in their national kits. World Athletics, the governing body for the sport, announced the event’s full programme on Friday, emphasizing the innovative and dynamic format of this new competition.
Scheduled to occur every two years, the championship will feature the most lucrative prize pool in athletics history. Gold medallists will receive $150,000, underscoring the event’s commitment to rewarding excellence in the sport. This aligns with World Athletics’ goal of fostering faster-paced and more engaging competitions to attract global audiences.
The concept of introducing new events, such as the mixed 4×100 metres relay and the steeplechase mile, was initially outlined in May as part of World Athletics’ four-year business strategy. These additions aim to modernize the sport by creating more thrilling and viewer-friendly formats.
The 2026 championship will take place at the Budapest National Athletics Centre in Hungary, with nearly 400 athletes expected to compete. Scheduled over three evenings from September 11-13, each session will last under three hours to maintain a fast-paced and captivating experience for global television viewers.
The programme includes 26 individual events: 16 on the track and 10 in the field, along with two relays. These events include popular disciplines such as the 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, 1500 metres, and 5000 metres, as well as hurdles, pole vault, high jump, long jump, triple jump (women’s), hammer throw (men’s), javelin, and the mixed 4×400 metres relay. The inclusion of the new mixed 4×100 metres relay marks a significant innovation in track and field, designed to add excitement and unpredictability to the competition.
World Athletics hopes that this biennial event will become a cornerstone of international athletics, bringing athletes and fans together for a unique and exhilarating championship.