Red carpet and $10M in prize money at stake make track look different ahead of Ultimate Championship

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.

The day was highlighted by a red-carpet entrance and photo shoot for the athletes, a "draft" in which the 200-meter runners got to pick their lanes and, of course, an appearance by Usain Bolt – which instinctively means something big is happening on the track.