Women's long jump takes over Times Square as Athlos brings track to the bright lights

Make room, Broadway, there's a different kind of performance opening down the street that's sure to be a showstopper.

For one night only, the women's long jump will take centre stage for a competition held in the heart of a bustling Times Square. It's all part of the script for Athlos, a women's only track and field series, to shine the brightest lights on the sport.

Act I opens Thursday with reigning world and Olympic champion Tara Davis-Woodhall leading a star-studded cast into a unique long-jump competition set in one of New York's trendiest tourist destinations.

Act II commences Friday when the stage shifts to Icahn Stadium, located on Randall's Island. There will be seven events — counting the long jump final — and a field of athletes that includes Olympic champions Faith Kipyegon and Masai Russell competing for more than $773,000 US in prize money. Plus, a silver crown from Tiffany & Co. is awarded to all the winners.

Act III opens next season as Athlos expands with a team-based format.

"This is a roadmap," Davis-Woodhall said, "to making track big again."

It's the second go-around for the Athlos NYC meet. This time, though, more of a chance to plan.

Last year, Athlos founder Alexis Ohanian — of Reddit fame — and his team had five months to organize an event for women. They still assembled an all-star cast on the heels of the Paris Olympics, secured rapper Megan Thee Stallion to perform and saw more than three million viewers tune into their platforms.

Ohanian approached this season with one overriding thought — how to take the event to the next level?

He and his team brainstormed and brainstormed, with no idea too outlandish.

"We wanted to create something that can elevate the biggest stars of the sport in a