What Are The World Athletics Championships?

The World Athletics Championships are one of the biggest competitions in track and field. But what exactly are the World Champs? What events are in the World Championships?

WHAT ARE THE WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS?

The World Athletics Championships is one of the highest levels of competition for senior outdoor track and field athletes, including marathon running and race walking.

Organised by World Athletics – previously the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) – the best athletes from around the world aim to qualify for the Championships which take place every two years.

For track and field athletes, this competition holds as much weight as the Olympic Games and winners get the honour of calling themselves World Champion for the next two years.

WHAT EVENTS ARE AT THE WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

There’s a full line-up of track and field events, plus some road races, at the World Athletics Championships. All events are for men and women (unless stated).

Sprints and short distances: 100m, 200m and 400m.

Middle and long distances: 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m plus the 3,000m steeplechase.

Road racing: Marathon, 20km race walk, 35km race walk.

Hurdles: 100m (women), 110m (men), 400m.

Jumps: High jump, long jump, triple jump and pole vault.

Throws: Hammer, javelin and shot put.

Relays: 4 x 100m, 4 x 400m and 4 x 400m mixed.

Combined events: Heptathlon (women), decathlon (men).

TOKYO 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2025 World Athletics Championships is taking place in Tokyo, Japan from 13-21 September 2025.

All events are held in the Japan National Stadium, with the marathons and race walk events beginning and ending in the stadium.

We’ve got the full schedule for the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships.

WHAT IS THE PRIZE MONEY IN THE TOKYO WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS?

There is prize money for placing in the top eight in each event. Team prizes are for relay runners and are split between the athletes. There is also a world record bonus of $100,000. All prizes are in US dollars.

Individuals

1st $70,000

2nd $35,000

3rd $22,000

4th $16,000

5th $11,000

6th $7000

7th $6000

8th $5000

Teams

1st $80,000

2nd $40,000

3rd $20,000

4th $16,000

5th $12,000

6th $8000

7th $6000

8th $4000

FAQ ON THE WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

When is the next World Athletics Championships?After Tokyo in 2025, the next World Champs will be held in Beijing in 2027. But in 2026 there’s a new World Athletics Ultimate Championships taking place in Budapest.

What do runners win in the World Champs?At the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships, athletes who win their races become World Champion, claim a gold medal and $70,000 USD ($80,000 for relay teams) in prize money. There is prize money for the top eight finishers.

Is the World Championships like the Olympics?Yes, the World Athletics Championships is like the Olympics and it’s one of the biggest championships for athletes. Unlike the Olympic Games, the World Champs is only for track and field athletes.