Get ready, track and field fans! The World Athletics Indoor Tour is gearing up for an epic return in 2026, promising a season packed with thrilling competitions and record-breaking performances. This isn't just any tour; it's a global showcase of athletic prowess, and it's getting bigger than ever.
The upcoming tour boasts an impressive calendar, featuring nearly 80 meetings spanning across various levels of competition. These events will take place in 24 different countries, bringing the excitement to Asia, Europe, and North America. It's a true testament to the global appeal of indoor athletics.
The growth of this tour is simply astounding. From a modest 7 meetings in 2020, it has exploded to a staggering 77 competitions scheduled for the 2025-26 season! The action kicks off on December 13th in Bucharest, Romania (Challenger level), and culminates on March 12th in Uppsala, Sweden (Silver level).
The heart of the tour lies in its Gold-level meetings, of which there are 8. These premier events showcase the world's top athletes vying for glory. The Gold series begins on January 24th in Boston, USA, and builds towards a grand finale in Torun, Poland, on February 22nd. This is especially exciting as athletes will be using these events to prepare for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26, also held in Torun, from March 20th to 22nd.
Here's a sneak peek at the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold calendar:
- January 24: New Balance Indoor Grand Prix – Boston, USA
- February 1: Millrose Games – New York, USA
- February 3: Czech Indoor Gala – Ostrava, Czechia
- February 6: World Indoor Tour Gold Madrid 2026 – Madrid, Spain
- February 8: INIT Indoor Meeting Karlsruhe – Karlsruhe, Germany
- February 11: Belgrade Indoor Meeting – Belgrade, Serbia
- February 19: Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophee EDF – Lievin, France
- February 22: ORLEN Copernicus Cup – Torun, Poland
But here's where it gets interesting: the scoring system. The disciplines that earn points rotate each year, keeping things fresh and exciting.
For 2026, the Gold-level scoring disciplines are:
- Women: 400m, 1500m, 60m hurdles, high jump, long jump
- Men: 60m, 800m, 3000m/5000m, pole vault, triple jump, shot put
Points are awarded as follows:
- 1st place: 10 points
- 2nd place: 7 points
- 3rd place: 5 points
- 4th place: 3 points
Each athlete's top three results will be tallied to determine their overall score. The athlete with the most points in each discipline at the end of the tour will be crowned the winner. And the rewards are substantial! They'll receive a US$10,000 bonus and a coveted wild card entry for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26.
And this is the part most people miss: Each Gold meeting also offers a minimum of US$7,000 in prize money for each individual discipline. This financial incentive helps to attract the best athletes and fuels the competitive spirit.
What do you think about the scoring system? Do you agree with the rotating disciplines, or would you prefer a more consistent approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
