Paris 2024: When will athletics start at the Olympics?

The Paris 2024 Olympics will spotlight athletics with new events and a focus on gender equality in a historic setting.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games officially kicked off with a grand opening ceremony on July 26 setting the stage for the highly anticipated athletics competitions that are set to commence shortly thereafter.

As the quintessential Olympic sport, athletics commands a prime position in the hearts of sports enthusiasts globally and this year's schedule is packed with excitement and innovation.

Starting August 1, the world will turn its attention to the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, where the track and field events will unfold until August 11.

This year's program not only promises high stakes competitions but also a historic finish, as for the first time, the women’s marathon will conclude the athletics events at the Games.

Evening sessions at the Stade de France will host all the finals for track and field events, guaranteeing prime time thrillers as athletes compete under the lights of the newly installed purple Mondo track.

The choice of color not only adds a visual pop but is also a nod to modernizing the aesthetic of the games.

The stadium, known for its robust capacity of 77,083 spectators, is expected to be a buzzing hub of cheering fans and record-breaking performances.

For early risers and those who revel in the crisp morning air, all road events, including the marathons and race walks, are scheduled for morning hours, offering a scenic view of Paris in its morning glory.

The marathon will start at the iconic Hotel de Ville and culminate in Les Invalides, weaving through a course that showcases Paris’ landmark sights, from historic avenues to picturesque bridges.

This challenging route not only tests the athletes' endurance but also provides a picturesque backdrop for spectators and viewers at home.

Athletics at Paris 2024 will also witness the debut of the marathon race walk mixed relay, an exciting addition that replaces the men’s 50km race walk.

In this mixed event, teams composed of one man and one woman will alternate legs to cover the marathon distance, adding a layer of strategic teamwork to the enduring challenge of race walking.

This edition of the Olympic Games is notable for achieving gender parity in athletics, with an identical number of disciplines for men and women, totaling 48 events over the 11 days.

This landmark move is a significant step towards fostering equality in the Olympic arena, ensuring that female athletes have as many opportunities to shine as their male counterparts.

Athletics will not only be a platform for sporting excellence but also a celebration of global talent, with more than 2000 athletes from around 200 teams participating.

This includes 36 gold medalists from the previous Olympics in Tokyo, all vying to defend or reclaim their titles in the intense competition.

While the International Olympic Committee traditionally does not offer prize money, this year, World Athletics has announced a reward of US$50,000 (equivalent Ksh 6,490,230) for each gold medalist, with relay teams sharing the same amount among their members.

This financial incentive is set to add an extra layer of motivation for the athletes pushing their limits on the global stage.

The United States, historically the most successful nation in Olympic athletics, will look to maintain its dominance, having topped the athletics medal table at 26 of the 29 Olympics to date.

However, the playing field is as competitive as ever, with athletes from around the globe arriving in peak form, ready to challenge for the top podium spots.

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