Kenyan track sensations Faith Kipyegon and Mary Moraa are among the elite athletes set for a major payday at the upcoming women-only ATHLOS event in New York, scheduled for October 10, 2025. The organizers have announced a record-breaking incentive that could see athletes pocket up to Ksh32 million for setting a new world record at the one-day competition.
ATHLOS, which focuses on celebrating women in athletics, has partnered with payment platform Cash App to introduce an instant payment system for winners. The initiative ensures athletes receive their prize money moments after results are confirmed, a move that marks a new era of transparency and athlete-centered reward systems in track and field.
This year’s competition promises intense action, with top athletes set to battle across seven events — the mile, 100m, 100m hurdles, 200m, 400m, 800m, and long jump. Kipyegon, who holds multiple world records and remains the favorite in the mile, will headline the track alongside compatriot Mary Moraa, a dominant force in the 800m. American long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall is also expected to light up the field with her electrifying performances.
The prize structure includes $60,000 (Ksh7.7 million) for winners, $25,000 (Ksh3.2 million) for second place, and $10,000 (Ksh1.2 million) for third. However, all eyes will be on the $250,000 (Ksh32.3 million) bonus for any athlete who breaks a world record. The massive incentive aims to motivate athletes to push beyond limits and deliver historic performances as the athletics season concludes.
ATHLOS has emphasized its commitment to improving the athlete experience, contrasting itself with rival series Grand Slam Track, which has faced criticism over delayed payments to participants. Through its partnership with Cash App, ATHLOS hopes to set a new benchmark for professionalism and financial efficiency in global track events.
Among other top stars expected in New York are Africa’s fastest woman Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith, world-class sprinters Brittany Brown and Salwa Eid Naser, Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino, and hurdles star Masai Russell. With this stellar lineup and the unprecedented bonus on offer, the 2025 ATHLOS meet promises to be a historic finale to the athletics calendar — one where Faith Kipyegon, Mary Moraa, and others have a golden chance to etch their names deeper into history.
