Many of the world’s top women’s track athletes are set to compete for record prizes when the inaugural Athlos NYC meet gets under way Thursday afternoon at 5.
Two time world champion Danielle Williams, American Olympic 200-metres champion Gabby Thomas and Kenyan 1,500m world record holder Faith Kipyegon are among the stars in action at the women’s-only track invitational.
Alexis Ohanian – Reddit co-founder and husband of 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion Serena Williams – has launched the event which boasts a record US $500,000 prize pool, for a women’s track meet.
Winners across six disciplines will receive US $60,000.
The Diamond League, in comparison, offers a US $15,000 first prize across its 15 series meetings, rising to US $30,000 for the final.
There are two Jamaicans in action Williams in the 100-metres hurdles and Natoya Goule-Toppin in the 800-metres.
The Athlos meeting continues wider investment in the sport and its athletes, with World Athletics paying Olympic champions for the first time at the Paris Games this year.
In June, American legend Michael Johnson announced the launch of a lucrative new athletics league starting in April 2025 called Grand Slam track, with a total of US $12.6 million in prize money.
And last week, the Diamond League said it would raise its prize money for the 2025 season.
Athlos NYC sees 36 athletes competing at the Icahn Stadium across the 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500 metres as well as the 100 metres hurdles.
In addition to prize money, victors will also receive a crown by New York jewellers Tiffany & Co.
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