What is IAAF Diamond League?

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Diamond League is an annual series of track and field meetings held from 2010 onwards, beginning with the 2010 IAAF Diamond League. It was designed to replace the IAAF Golden League, which was held annually since 1998.

While the Golden League was formed to increase the profile of the leading European athletics competitions, the Diamond League's aim is to "enhance the worldwide appeal of athletics by going outside Europe for the first time."

In addition to the original Golden League members (except Berlin) and other traditional European meetings, the series includes events in China, Qatar, and the United States. Each one of the thirty-two disciplines (sixteen for male athletes, sixteen for females) is staged a total of seven times during the season.

The top three athletes at each meeting are awarded points, and in the case of the Final meeting of the discipline the points are doubled. The athlete with the highest number of points in each discipline at the end of the season wins "The Diamond Race".

In case of equality on points, the number of victories decides. If there still is a tie, the better result at the Final meeting for that discipline (Zürich or Brussels since 2010) decides. For an athlete to win "The Diamond Race" and its associated prize, he/she must compete in the Final of their event discipline.

Competitions will be held in 16 events each for men and women and will take place in 11 countries from May 6 to September 9 of this year. Events comprise of sprint, long jump, triple jump, high jump, steeplechase, pole vault, shot put, javelin throw and discus-throw. Winners of each Diamond Race will get a Diamond Trophy and $10,000 in prize-money. The season winner of each discipline takes home $40,000.