Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The upcoming World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest will feature intense battles on the men's track as athletes compete to be crowned champion of champions. The event is scheduled for 11–13 September 2026.
In the 100m, several contenders aim for the US$150,000 prize. Notable athletes include Oblique Seville, Tokyo world champion with a 9.77 best, and Jamaican Kishane Thompson, who clocked 9.75 last year and claimed silver at the World Championships. USA’s Noah Lyles, the Olympic champion, enjoyed an injury-free start to 2026 and posted a 6.51 time in the 60m indoors. Rising stars like 18-year-old Australian Gout Gout and world indoor champion Jordan Anthony add depth to the sprint field.
In the 400m, Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi, the reigning world champion, targets breaking Wayde van Niekerk’s world record of 43.03 seconds. Though he still needs to close half a second, strong rivals include Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards, Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori, the US delegation, Britain’s Matt Hudson-Smith, and South Africa’s Zakithi Nene.
The men’s 400m hurdles is considered a golden era for the discipline. Karsten Warholm, current world record-holder, looks to reclaim his title after finishing fifth at the last World Championships. The USA’s Rai Benjamin, who won that event with a season’s best, remains a top contender as the event draws continued attention for its competitiveness.