Athlos NYC offers the largest prize in women’s track history, featuring stars like Faith Kipyegon at Icahn Stadium on September 26.

As the echoes of the Paris Olympics fade the fastest women in the world are set to ignite the track once again.

This time, the stakes are higher—not in medals, but in monetary reward. On September 26, Athlos NYC will host an event unprecedented in its lavish prize purse the largest ever for a track event.

Athlos, originally known as the 776 Invitational and rooted in the venture capital fund founded by Alexis Ohanian has been rebranded to spotlight “sports’ hidden treasure.”

It is inaugural event at Icahn Stadium in New York City is not just another meet; it is a grand showcase of female speed, stamina, and spirit.

The lineup is stellar, featuring luminaries such as Faith Kipyegon, Gabby Thomas, and Alexis Holmes, each a titan in her own right.

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Kipyegon, fresh off retaining his 1,500 meters at Paris Olympics is headlining the roster.

The prize structure at Athlos is as groundbreaking as its participants.

The event will distribute a total of $60,000 (Ksh 8,580,000) for first place, dwarfing the payouts of many established track competitions.

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By comparison, the Diamond League awards $10,000 to meet winners and up to $30,000 for league finals.

Even the World Athletics’ new Ultimate Championship pales in comparison, with a top prize of $150,000 spread across a biennial event.

Second place will earn $25,000 (Ksh 3,575,000), third place $10,000 (Ksh 1,430,000), with descending amounts for lower placings down to sixth.

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Additionally, ten percent of event revenues will be shared among all participating athletes, ensuring that “showing up means getting paid.”

“All that takes is a will and dollars,” said Athlos founder Alexis Ohanian as per Athletic.

“If that’s the top prize money, think of all the other athletes who cannot professionally do this sport. So how much are we missing in the array of talent? How much you’re gonna get if we actually professionalize this a bit more. That just makes it appealing. And no one should be complacent with a $60,000 top prize. This is just a starting point and how we now work to build the infrastructure,” he noted.

Aside from financial allure, Athlos NYC aims to transform how track events are presented and consumed.

The meet will be a trimmed affair, featuring only six events: 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 100-meter hurdles, 800 meters, and 1,500 meters.

Moreover, the event promises a spectacle, with plans to feature an entertainment headliner, a DJ, and a bedazzled broadcast presentation.

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This approach aims to draw not only track aficionados but also a broader audience, enhancing the visibility and viability of women’s athletics as a premier and lucrative sport.