The upcoming World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to the African continent for the first time, as Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, has been selected to stage the 2029 edition. This decision means that London, which had also put forward a strong bid, will not be the host city for that year. Kenya has long been recognised as a powerhouse in distance running, producing legendary athletes and dominating many international competitions. Yet, despite its deep-rooted running culture, the nation has never before hosted an event of this magnitude.
The 2029 Championships will therefore represent a landmark moment not only for Kenya but for the entire continent, showcasing Africa’s capacity to organize world‑class sporting spectacles. The next edition after Nairobi will return to Europe, with Munich, Germany slated to host the 2031 Championships. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the decision after the recent Ultimate Championship held in Hungary. He explained that the council had received four high‑quality proposals for the 2029 and 2031 events, making the final choice a challenging one.
Coe praised the ambition and dedication displayed by all the candidates, noting that their collective efforts underscored the global appeal and enduring strength of the World Athletics Championships. In London, the reaction was one of disappointment. Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed his sorrow that the city would miss out on the 2029 edition.
He insisted that the British bid had been exceptional and would have elevated the sport to new heights. Buckner thanked the UK government, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London, UK Sport, the London Stadium, West Ham United and a host of other stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the bidding process.
He reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s reputation as a premier host for major sporting events and highlighted the British public’s enthusiasm for athletics. While acknowledging the setback, Buckner said Athletic Ventures would regroup, review its strategy and continue to pursue opportunities to bring elite competitions to the UK, confident that athletes worldwide love competing on British soil. He concluded by congratulating Nairobi and wishing its organizing committee a successful 2029 championship.
Coe echoed the historic significance of the decision, describing the move to Africa as a "historic" moment for the sport. He emphasized that athletics is deeply embedded in Kenya’s national identity, with the sport woven into the everyday fabric of the country. The selection of Nairobi signals that the global athletics community recognizes the continent’s passion, talent pool, and growing infrastructure. The upcoming championship will follow the traditional ten‑day format, featuring the full range of track and field events that were omitted from the recent Ultimate Championship, which focused on a limited, invitation‑only field and offered cash prizes rather than medals.
In Nairobi, athletes will once again compete in events such as the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walks and the marathon—disciplines that were absent from the Budapest schedule of the Ultimate Championship. This return to the classic format ensures a comprehensive showcase of athletic talent across all disciplines. Coe also highlighted Kenya’s storied contribution to the sport, naming a roster of iconic athletes who have left an indelible mark on athletics history.
He mentioned world‑championship gold medalists Faith Kipyegon and Vivian Cheruiyot, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, distance star Hellen Obiri, and 800‑metre champion David Rudisha. Historical figures such as two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, multiple world cross‑country champion Paul Tergat, and half‑marathon record‑holder Tegla Loroupe were also cited as examples of Kenya’s deep athletic heritage. According to Coe, the timing of the decision could not have been better. He argued that the world needed a host with the right combination of enthusiasm, experience, and circumstances, and Nairobi had proven itself to be that host.
The city’s bid demonstrated a clear vision for delivering a world‑class event, leveraging Kenya’s existing sporting culture, improving facilities, and promising a vibrant atmosphere for athletes and fans alike. The selection of Nairobi is expected to have far‑reaching implications for the development of athletics across Africa. It will likely inspire increased investment in training facilities, youth programs, and coaching expertise throughout the continent.
Moreover, the global media attention that accompanies the Championships will shine a spotlight on African athletes, potentially opening doors for sponsorships and greater international competition opportunities. While London’s bid fell short this time, the city remains a strong contender for future events, and UK Athletics has pledged to learn from the experience and strengthen future proposals. The broader athletics community, meanwhile, looks forward to witnessing how Nairobi will rise to the occasion, delivering a memorable championship that celebrates both the sport’s heritage and its bright future on African soil.