Countdown
The attention of the athletics world will shift to Monaco this week as the Mediterranean Principality prepares to host the IAAF Athletics Awards 2016, the annual celebration honouring the world's best athletes who helped contribute to another unforgettable year for the sport.
The week also includes a meeting of the IAAF Council and a Special IAAF Congress which will mark the first time that the IAAF's member federations will gather in Monaco, home to the sport's governing body since 1994.
Dozens of the world's best athletes will gather to help celebrate the past year and meet with members of the media who will also assemble to cover the numerous events that will be taking place. Some of the athletes expected include Olympic champions and world record breakers Almaz Ayana (ETH), Usain Bolt (JAM), Kendra Harrison (USA), Ruth Jebet (BRN), Shaunae Miller (BAH), Thomas Rohler (GER) and Wayde van Niekerk (RSA), to name but a few.
The activities commence with the IAAF Council Meeting on Wednesday (30) and Thursday (1). Council will focus on the day-to-day business of IAAF HQ with updates from IAAF departments, IAAF committees and the local organising committees of various 2017 IAAF World Athletics Series events. Council will also decide the hosts for the 2018 IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships and 2019 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.
The IAAF Athletics Awards 2016 will take place at the Salle des Etoiles at the seaside Sporting Monte Carlo on Friday (2), with the ceremonies beginning at 19:00 CET. In addition to the announcement of the men's and women's Athletes of the Year, the IAAF Rising Star award winners will also be revealed on an evening when coaching achievement and women in athletics will also be honoured.
The IAAF Congress will take place on Saturday, a one-issue meeting concentrating on the governance structure reform proposals presented in the 'Time for Change' document.
Updates, reports and summaries from all the activities will be published throughout the week on the IAAF website and across its various social media channels.
IAAF
