The upcoming World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to Africa for the first time, as Kenya's capital Nairobi has been officially appointed the host city for the 2029 edition. This decision means that London, which had also put forward a strong bid, will not be the venue for the prestigious event. Kenya has long been recognised as a powerhouse in distance running, producing a parade of world‑class athletes who dominate the marathon, the 5,000‑metre and 10,000‑metre races. Yet, despite its deep roots in the sport, the nation has never before staged a competition of this magnitude.
The 2029 Championships will therefore represent a watershed moment for Kenyan athletics and for the continent as a whole. After Nairobi, the next host will be Munich, Germany, which is slated to stage the 2031 Championships. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the outcome after the recent Ultimate Championship held in Hungary.
"We received four exceptional proposals for the 2029 and 2031 editions, and the council faced a very tough choice," Coe said. He added that the calibre, ambition and dedication shown by every applicant underscored the global reach and enduring appeal of the World Athletics Championships. Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of the venture firm Athletic Ventures, expressed his disappointment on behalf of the British side. "We are truly saddened that London will not host the 2029 Championships.
We believed our bid was outstanding and would have elevated the sport to new heights," Buckner remarked. He 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 partners for their unwavering support throughout the bidding process. "The United Kingdom remains a world‑class destination for major sporting events, and the British public has an abiding love for athletics," he continued.
"Although this decision does not go in our favour, we will regroup, review our strategy and continue to pursue opportunities to bring elite competition to our shores. We congratulate Nairobi and wish the organising committee success in delivering a memorable 2029 event." Nairobi's selection is being hailed as a landmark achievement, marking the first time the sport's flagship global meet will be staged on African soil.
Coe emphasized the symbolic importance of the move, stating, "Bringing the Championships to Africa for the first time is historic. Athletics is woven into the very fabric of Kenya, and this decision reflects that deep connection." The decision follows the recent Ultimate Championship, an experimental format that replaced traditional medals with substantial cash prizes and featured an invitation‑only roster of the sport’s biggest stars. While that event was condensed into a three‑day spectacle, the classic World Championships will revert to the traditional ten‑day schedule beginning next year in Beijing, before moving to Nairobi in 2029.
The full programme will again include a comprehensive range of disciplines—such as the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walking events and the marathon—that were omitted from the limited Ultimate Championship programme in Budapest. Coe also highlighted Kenya’s rich athletic heritage, noting that the country has produced a litany of legendary figures who have shaped the sport’s history. He referenced Olympic and World champions like Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, the late Kip Keino, Paul Tergat and Tegla Loroupe, underscoring how their achievements have cemented Kenya’s reputation as a global athletics powerhouse. "It was essential that the World Athletics Championships find a home in Africa at a time when the right host, the right bid and the right circumstances converged," Coe added.
"Nairobi has made it abundantly clear that this is their moment, and we are excited to see the sport flourish on a continent that lives and breathes running." The upcoming Nairobi Championships are expected to draw athletes from across the globe, offering them the chance to compete in iconic Kenyan venues and experience the country’s vibrant culture and passionate fan base. Organisers are already planning extensive community engagement programmes, youth outreach initiatives and legacy projects aimed at boosting grassroots participation in athletics throughout East Africa.
In preparation for the event, the Kenyan government, together with World Athletics and local stakeholders, is investing in stadium upgrades, transportation infrastructure and athlete accommodation to meet the exacting standards required for a world‑class competition. These developments are anticipated to leave a lasting positive impact on Nairobi’s sporting landscape, providing state‑of‑the‑art facilities that will serve future generations of Kenyan athletes. While London’s bid fell short this time, the city remains a prominent venue for major sporting occasions, and UK Athletics has signalled its intention to continue pursuing future opportunities to host world‑level events.
The disappointment expressed by Jack Buckner and his team reflects a broader desire within the United Kingdom to maintain a leading role in the global athletics calendar, even as the sport expands its horizons to new regions. Overall, the selection of Nairobi marks a pivotal chapter in the evolution of the World Athletics Championships, symbolising both the sport’s growing inclusivity and the recognition of Africa’s indispensable contribution to track and field. As the countdown to 2029 begins, athletes, fans and officials alike look forward to a historic celebration of speed, strength and endurance set against the backdrop of Kenya’s dynamic capital.