After debuting in September at the Icahn Stadium in New York City, the women-only track meet Athlos is officially making its second run. The event will return to the same NYC venue on Oct. 10. Last year, athletes competed for a record-breaking US$663,000 prize purse–the largest ever for a women-only track event. This year, Athlos promises to do it “bigger and better!”
“You asked and we delivered, women’s track groupies,” Athlos wrote on Instagram. “Phase II is headed back to NYC this October with more star-studded athletes and another major musical guest performance. Track’s biggest celebration of talent, culture, and community will be even better than last year. Will you join us?”
Elevating visibility for track and women’s sports
The meet aims to elevate visibility for track outside of the Olympics and spotlight women’s sports. Most track and field streaming services require subscriptions for use, deterring many fans from tuning in. The streaming partners chosen by Athlos are optimal for global audiences and ease of access: X, YouTube, ESPN+, and DAZN (international). Last year, Athlos had three million viewers globally.
“The ultimate event of culture and sport–we’re bringing it back to NYC,” said Athlos co-founder Alexis Ohanian on Instagram. He partnered with Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas to bring the event to life.
Lucrative prizes
Last year, cash prizes were offered to athletes in each lane, while the winner of each event took home US$60,000. The grand prize exceeded that offered to winners at the Olympics (US$50,000) and the Diamond League Final (US$30,000). Team USA’s Brittany Brown claimed victory in the 200m and second in the 100m, earning $US85,000 for just 33.23 seconds of running.
Comments on the Athlos Instagram account tease that more exciting updates will be revealed in coming months, suggested either a bigger prize purse or new star competitors. “We got some more surprises coming, stay tuned,” Athlos wrote. “Phase II is going to blow your minds.”
