LIST: Highest paying athletics events in the world
Here’s a list of some of the highest-paying athletics events in the world, highlighting the most lucrative competitions and their prize structures:
1. Diamond League: This annual series of track and field meetings features elite athletes competing in various disciplines. The overall champion in each event can earn substantial bonuses, with total prize money exceeding $8 million across the series.
2. World Athletics Championships: Held every two years, this premier global event offers significant rewards. Athletes can earn up to $100,000 for winning individual events, with additional bonuses for setting world records.
3. Olympic Games: While the IOC doesn’t offer direct prize money, many countries reward their medalists with substantial cash bonuses. For example, athletes from the U.S. can earn up to $37,500 for gold, with even higher rewards in some nations.
4. New York City Marathon: One of the largest marathons globally, it features a prize purse of over $1 million, with the winners taking home $100,000 each, plus additional bonuses for achieving time benchmarks.
5. Boston Marathon: Another prestigious marathon, the Boston event offers around $900,000 in total prize money, with $150,000 for the first-place finishers in the open division.
6. IAAF World Indoor Championships: This event also features lucrative prizes, with winners in individual events receiving cash awards, contributing to an overall prize pool of around $2 million.
7. IAAF Diamond League Final: Athletes who excel throughout the season can compete in the Diamond League Final, where prize money can reach up to $50,000 for event winners, plus bonuses for overall performance.
8. Berlin Marathon: Known for its fast course, it offers a prize purse exceeding $300,000, with additional rewards for breaking records.
These events not only highlight athletic excellence but also demonstrate the significant financial incentives driving the sport.
