Grand Slam Track Athletes Await Payment Despite Claims of Full Payout — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Michael Johnson, founder of Grand Slam Track, stated that athletes had been paid in full. However, athletes and their representatives report that payments have not been received. Matthew Hudson-Smith, among others, expressed uncertainty about receiving his due.
The league's bankruptcy filing lists Hudson-Smith as owed $147,500. The BBC reports that about $11 million remains unpaid to athletes and creditors, held by an American firm. The dispute centers on the difference between approved court funds and actual payments received. Read more culture coverage.
Under the approved bankruptcy plan, athletes are recovering about $4.9 million of the $7 million owed. The $11 million Johnson cited is prize money, while the $11 million the BBC reports is a debt. Athletes are not disputing the prize money but the settlement for the league's outstanding debt. Related: Athletes Await Payments from Grand Slam Track Despite Johnson's Claims.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Grand Slam Track Athletes Await Payment Despite Claims of Full Payout?
Despite claims by founder Michael Johnson, athletes are still waiting for their owed money. Michael Johnson, founder of Grand Slam Track, stated that athletes had been paid in full. However, athletes and their representatives report that payments have not been received. Matthew Hudson-Smith, among others, expressed uncertainty about receiving his due.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 14, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated August 13, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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