Josh Kerr is preparing to compete in the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest this weekend, an event notable for its $150,000 prize purse. Kerr’s participation has drawn attention due to his infrequent racing schedule during the 2026 season. According to reports, Kerr has competed in only five races this year, a stark contrast to other athletes such as Amy Hunt, who has participated in 43 events.

Because of his limited appearances, Kerr required a wild card entry from World Athletics to qualify for the Budapest competition. This situation has sparked criticism from observers and fellow competitors. Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the double Olympic champion and Kerr’s primary rival, has publicly questioned Kerr’s decision to skip the European championships, which would have allowed him to compete in front of a home crowd. Kerr has addressed the criticism surrounding his selective racing strategy, framing his approach as a deliberate effort to peak for major events rather than maintaining a high volume of races throughout the season.