Athlos: Where Track & Field Meets the F1 Circuit — The Future of Running
- Chester Khangelani Mbekela
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
Imagine this: a track meet that isn’t just another race, but a glamorous spectacle, a global league, and a cultural phenomenon — all rolled into one. That is Athlos, a new competition reimagining track & field as you’ve never seen it before. Founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian (yes, Serena Williams’s husband), Athlos isn’t just putting on runs — it’s building a Formula 1-style track league. Sportskeeda+2SI+2
A New Vision: Track + Speed + Glamour
At its heart, Athlos is designed to be bold, fast, and unapologetically spectacular. Ohanian has openly described his ambition to transform this competition into a team-based league, “like Formula 1 of track and field.” Sportskeeda Instead of traditional track meets that feel more like Olympic qualifiers, Athlos blends elite athleticism with entertainment, team identity, and city-based flair.
In 2024, Athlos made its debut at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island in New York City, with six pure sprint and middle-distance events featuring a star-studded field. Wikipedia+1 The winner’s purse? A whopping $60,000 — double what some long-time meets offered — plus a Tiffany-crafted crown instead of a medal. SI+1
Times Square Took the Leap — Literally!
One of the most jaw-dropping moments in Athlos history came in 2025, when the long jump competition was staged right in Times Square, one of the busiest and most iconic locations in the world. AP News For a few electrifying nights, Manhattan became a high-profile runway of speed and sand, spotlighting Olympic champion Tara Davis-Woodhall, who soared to a 7.13-meter jump. Athlos NYC+1
The spectacle was more than sport — it was theatre. Music, lights, storytelling — Athlos turned athletics into a cultural event, not just a meet. People weren’t just watching races — they were watching stories unfold. Runner's World
Why the Track Community Is All In
Top athletes have embraced Athlos. Big names like Faith Kipyegon, Keely Hodgkinson, Masai Russell, Marileidy Paulino, and Brittany Brown have confirmed participation. FloTrack+1 Their enthusiasm shows: Athlos isn’t just another race — it’s a platform that respects and rewards elite talent, while offering visibility and prestige.
Athletes have praised Athlos not only for its prize money, but for its athlete-first mindset. As one athlete put it: “We built this by talking to the athletes … It’s not what I want. It’s what the athletes want.” The Washington Post Ohanian’s commitment to women’s track — both from a business and values standpoint — is clear, and athletes are responding.
The Game-Changer: What Athlos Could Become
What if Athlos could expand beyond New York?
Ohanian’s vision is already futuristic: multi-city meets by 2026, team franchises, and a full-fledged league structure. Sportskeeda+1 Imagine Athlos meets popping up across the globe — in cities like:
Sandton, Johannesburg, where speed meets the pulse of Africa
Paris, near the Eiffel Tower — racing under the lights in a European capital
Tokyo, in neon-lit streets around Shibuya — elite sprinters with a skyline backdrop
Think of the spectacle. Think of what it could mean for fans and athletes alike — not just competitors, but ambassadors of global track culture.
A Bold Founder with a Mission
The brains (and heart) behind Athlos is Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit — and yes, he’s married to tennis legend Serena Williams. Vogue+1 Ohanian has long backed women’s sports (think back to Angel City FC), and Athlos is his boldest bet yet: elevate women’s track and field from Olympic-stage appearances to year-round superstar status. Runner's World
He’s not doing this purely for spectacle — he’s aiming for sustainability. Athlos reportedly saw a multi-fold increase in revenue in just its second year, with expanded sponsorship and prize structures. Dawn
Homegrown Legends Unite
During the 2025 NYC edition, fans watched Olympic champions like Faith Kipyegon, Keely Hodgkinson, Masai Russell, and Marileidy Paulino race under the lights. FloTrack+1 On top of that, field events made their Athlos debut, and the long jump finalists earned a coveted Tiffany crown — a genuine symbol of prestige. CBS News
These athletes aren’t just running for money — they’re building a legacy. And Athlos is building a legacy alongside them.
The Impact on Track Culture
Athlos is already rewriting the rulebook: higher pay, more visibility, city-centered glamour, and a long-term roadmap for growth. It’s pushing the sport into new cultural territory — merging athletics with entertainment, media and global branding.
The league’s next phase — team-based competition — could completely change how fans engage with track. Instead of just cheering for individual stars, they’ll root for teams, season standings, rivalries. It’s a transformation in thinking, celebration, and value.
Why It Matters
For athletes: More opportunities, consistent pay, and a platform to shine outside the Olympic spotlight
For fans: More frequent, accessible, and thrilling meets — no more waiting every four years
For the sport: A powerful model for growth, investment, and mainstream relevance
Track & field has always been about speed, endurance, and power. With Athlos, it’s also becoming about vision — the vision of a world where track meets don’t just happen in quiet stadiums, but on grand stages in global capitals.
Final Thought
Athlos is more than a race; it's a movement — a high-speed, ultra-modern celebration of women’s athletics. Founded by Alexis Ohanian, powered by superstar talent, and designed for expansion to cities around the world, this competition could very well be the game-changer that track & field has been waiting for.
Picture this: track meets in Sandton, Paris, Tokyo, New York, London, Monaco or anywhere else — framed by iconic skylines, powered by elite athletes, broadcast to fans around the world. It’s not science fiction. With Athlos, that could soon be reality.
By: Zila Mbekela (Licensed Sports Agent, FIFA & JRFU)
References
Alexis Ohanian describes Athlos as “Formula 1 of track and field.” Sportskeeda
Times Square long jump event and NYC spectacle coverage. AP News
Prize money and Tiffany crowns for winners. SI+1
Planned expansion to a team-based league. FloTrack
Founder Alexis Ohanian’s mission and athlete-first design. Runner's World+1
Viewership and financial growth. Dawn
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