World Athletics Announces Launch of New Track and Field Series to Boost Global Participation

World Athletics announced a major decision to launch a new global track and field series, stating the plan will commence competitions later this year with the goal of expanding athlete opportunities and increasing fan engagement across continents.

Series will feature standard sprint, middle‑distance, hurdle, jump and throw events, be hosted in multiple host cities, and be open to both elite competitors and emerging athletes, providing a clear qualification pathway for major championships, according to the federation’s release.

Athletics comprises running, jumping and throwing disciplines, with events ranging from short sprints to marathon distances and from long jump to javelin, a sport traced to ancient contests and now a core part of the modern Olympic program as detailed in reference sources.

Officials expect the initiative to raise global participation by several million, generate new sponsorship revenue, and strengthen the sport’s grassroots development, while offering athletes a transparent route to qualify for world championships and enhancing the overall visibility of track and field.