© Copyright – 2026 – Athletics Illustrated
William Gibson wrote, “The future is already here — it’s just not evenly distributed,” in his novel, Cyberpunk. He may have been referring to the contrasts he predicted between pervasive high technology set against a lowering of the quality of life, but the aphorism applies here, too.
The world is filled with entertainment but starved for meaningful competition. So, in answer to this dilemma, ATHLOS, the all-women Coachella-meets-athletics event, adds London to its schedule. The first meeting took place in New York in 2024. Icann Stadium was the venue, and Megan Thee Stallion was the featured musical entertainer.
Athlos, with Greek origins, is the English word for athletics, and also means “ordeal” or “triumph.” The concept of the meeting was the brainchild of Alexis Ohanian, a tech entrepreneur.
Will this concept fly?
For 2026, London’s stadium will host a second ATHLOS meet at StoneX Stadium on September 18.
The event is a simplified track and field meeting that focuses on six running-only events: 100m, 100m hurdles, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m. The payouts offered are the largest prize purse in the history of women’s track, distributing over $663,000, with winners receiving custom-designed crowns from Tiffany & Co.
While the concept is novel, supporters are hoping that the meets continue to attract spectators, as startups like the Enhanced Games and Grand Slam Track flopped. These two efforts also offered big prize money.
Some field events should be considered, perhaps one throwing event as well as one jumping event.
Government support
Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock remarked at the Westminster Insight, Women and Girls in Sport Conference, delivered at The Institution of Structural Engineers, Bastwick Street, London, on 24 April 2025, “ATHLOS is putting women’s sport exactly where it belongs, front and centre and this government shares that ambition entirely.
“Through our Women’s Sport Taskforce and priority slots for women and girls at grassroots facilities, we are ensuring sport is a space where women and girls can thrive at every level. I’m delighted that fans will get to experience the pinnacle of female athletes when ATHLOS comes to town. With the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup, the Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ in 2027, and our bid for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, we are proud to be leading a decade of change for women’s sport.”
Who will be competing
Several well-known athletes have confirmed that they will compete, including Olympians Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas, Tara Davis-Woodhall, Masai Russell and Marileidy Paulino. Additional athletes will be announced throughout the summer.
Three of the biggest names in middle distances, Keely Hodgkinson and Faith Kipyegon, competed in the 2025 event. Gudaf Tsegey competed in 2024, and Brittany Brown has raced the first two years and is expected to race in 2026.
Prize money breakdown per event
| Place | Prize money |
|---|---|
| 1 | $60,000.00 |
| 2 | $25,000.00 |
| 3 | $10,000.00 |
| 4 | $8,000.00 |
| 5 | $5,000.00 |
| 6 | $2,500.00 |
Will these events prosper and continue to grow? This is unknown; however, Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
She did okay drafting the first Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, which formed the basis for later treaties on refugees, genocide, women’s rights, and civil rights.
