Faith Kipyegon: "I hope we can inspire women around the world"

07/11/2024 01:59 PM

The world 1500m record-holder and Olympic champion, alongside Gabby Thomas and Alexis Holmes, join ATHLOS

Faith Kipyegon says she wants to “inspire women around the world” after joining ATHLOS, a women’s-only track event created by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

The 30-year-old Kenyan, who recently broke her own world 1500m record of 3:49.11 with 3:49.04 at the Paris Diamond League, will race over the 1500m at ATHLOS NYC.

ATHLOS, which is Greek for athlete, was previously known as the 776 Invitational and initially named after Seven Seven Six – the venture capital firm founded by Ohanian.

ATHLOS NYC will be held at Icahn Stadium in the Big Apple on September 26, less than a fortnight after the Diamond League final in Brussels (September 13-14).

Kipyegon is one of three confirmed athletes for ATHLOS NYC so far, with Americans Gabby Thomas and Alexis Holmes being the other two names. There will be 36 athletes competing at the invitational and the others will be announced over the summer months.

“I am excited to join ATHLOS and I appreciate the celebration of female sports,” said Kipyegon. “I hope we can inspire women around the world to be the strongest version of themselves. I like the new concept and believe the combination of sport, fashion, and music will bring a lot of energy and excitement.”

ATHLOS NYC will feature the following races: 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m hurdles, 800m, and 1500m.

The prize pot is also incredibly attractive to athletes and is far higher than what you’d receive in the Diamond League. For example, the prize pot for first place at ATHLOS NYC will be $60,000. You get $30,000 for winning an event in the Diamond League final.

The purse for ATHLOS NYC is as follows: First place: $60,000; Second place: $25,000; Third place: $10,000; Fourth place: $8,000, Fifth place: $5,000; Sixth place: $2,500.

Additionally, 10% of all event revenues will be redistributed to all participating athletes, ensuring significant financial rewards for all who place, not just the top three. That is based off Seven Seven Six's previously successful 10% give-back initiatives for both Angel City FC and Los Angeles Golf Club.

The world's fastest women blaze a trail through the world's greatest city for an electrifying night of grace, speed, and sound.

Welcome to ATHLOS.

SHE RUNS NYC. 09:26:24. Icahn Stadium. pic.twitter.com/jyjZNLsA5I

— ATHLOS (@athlos) July 11, 2024

All in all, it will be the largest purse ever for a women's-only track event.

“One of the biggest reasons to start ATHLOS was because of these athletes,” said Ohanian, Founder & General Partner at Seven Seven Six. “These women are amazing to work with, they care so much and are so dynamic; they deserve the biggest and best possible platform for their talents—yearly.

“My goal with ATHLOS NYC is to do right by the athletes, and do right by the fans. Then we're going to earn the right to do it another time while building something bigger.”

The invitational will also provide entertainment off track with a world-renowned artist performing  so fans can also enjoy it as an experience.

There will also be a DJ and athletes will each get to have their own walk-out songs into the venue.

On the track, it’s set to be quick. The Ichan Stadium in New York has a rich history of fast times, most notably Usain Bolt running a then world 100m record of 9.72 back in 2008.

“Every year, Icahn Stadium bustles with recreational activities as thousands of athletes utilize the facility for track meets and training sessions," said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We look forward to partnering with Seven Seven Six and Alexis Ohanian to bring this first-of-its-kind inaugural event to the iconic Icahn Stadium, where we will witness the world's fastest women compete for redemption.

“At Parks, we embrace all athletes who enhance the value of sports, as they play a crucial role in enriching the quality of life for New Yorkers by promoting social interaction, physical health, and individual well-being.”

For more information, visit athlos.com and follow @athlos on social media.

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