BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) – There was a flowing, floor-length ivory gown, an infield with the grass painted jet black and the promise of green – US$10 million to be exact – to be paid out to nearly 400 runners, throwers and jumpers this week. The Ultimate Championship lived up to its vow to make track and field look different on Thursday, the so-called "Day Before" celebration in advance of a first-of-its-kind meet that will feature trophies and US$150,000 for all its winners, but no medals.

Everything you need to know about the new athletics championship, as stars galore gather in Budapest

The Ultimate Championship aims to revolutionise the sport with promises of bigger prize money and a greater role for athletes