The upcoming World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to the African continent for the first time, as Nairobi, Kenya, has been selected to host the 2029 edition. This decision means that London, which had also put forward a strong proposal, will not be the venue for the event. Kenya is renowned worldwide for its dominance in distance running, yet it has never before staged a competition of this magnitude.
The 2029 championships will be followed by the 2031 edition, which is slated to return to Europe with Munich, Germany, taking the reins. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the outcome after the Ultimate Championship in Hungary, noting, "We received four excellent bids for the 2029 and 2031 editions, and the council faced a very tough choice. The quality, ambition and commitment shown by all four candidates highlight the strength and universal appeal of the World Athletics Championships." Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed his disappointment on behalf of the British side.
"We are deeply disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be staged in London. We believed we had an outstanding bid that would genuinely elevate the sport," he said.
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 numerous other stakeholders for their dedication to the bid. "The United Kingdom has a proven record of hosting major sporting spectacles and the British public loves athletics.
Athletic Ventures remains determined to bring world‑class events here, and although today's decision did not go our way, we will regroup, review our strategy and continue to pursue opportunities that allow athletes to compete on British soil," he added. He concluded by congratulating Nairobi, wishing the organising committee success for the 2029 event.
Nairobi's selection marks a watershed moment for the sport, signifying the first time that the premier global athletics meet will be held on African soil. Coe underscored the symbolic importance, stating, "Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic.
Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya." The decision arrives after the recent Ultimate Championship, a one‑off competition that replaced medals with substantial cash prizes and featured an invitation‑only roster of the sport's biggest names. That experiment will give way to the traditional World Championships format in Beijing next year, restoring the full ten‑day schedule that includes a comprehensive slate of events such as the men's triple jump, shot put, race walks and the marathon—disciplines that were absent from the limited Budapest programme. Kenya's deep‑rooted connection to athletics is reflected in its roster of legendary athletes. Coe highlighted icons such as Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, cross‑country great Paul Tergat and half‑marathon star Tegla Loroupe.
Their achievements have helped shape the sport’s history and reinforce Kenya’s status as a powerhouse. The move to Nairobi is also seen as a strategic step for World Athletics to broaden its geographic footprint and engage new audiences. By situating the championships in a region where running is part of everyday life, the organization hopes to inspire a new generation of athletes, attract sponsorships from emerging markets, and showcase Kenya’s capacity to host large‑scale international events.
Logistically, Nairobi will need to address challenges typical of major sporting events, including upgrading stadium facilities, ensuring reliable transportation, and delivering world‑class athlete accommodations. The Kenyan government has pledged support, and the bid emphasized a strong partnership between public authorities, private investors and local athletics bodies. The 2029 championships are expected to span ten days, mirroring the traditional format that allows athletes to compete across a full spectrum of track and field disciplines.
This comprehensive schedule will provide opportunities for both seasoned champions and rising stars to showcase their talents on a global stage. While the British bid fell short, officials remain optimistic about future prospects. UK Athletics has indicated that it will analyze the feedback from the selection process, refine its approach, and potentially submit stronger proposals for subsequent editions. The disappointment in London underscores the competitive nature of hosting rights, where factors such as legacy impact, regional development goals and strategic alignment with World Athletics’ vision play pivotal roles.
In summary, Nairobi’s appointment as the host city for the 2029 World Athletics Championships represents a historic milestone for both the continent and the sport. It celebrates Kenya’s rich running heritage, promises to bring the world’s elite athletes to East Africa, and signals World Athletics’ commitment to diversifying its event locations. As preparations begin, athletes, fans and officials alike look forward to a landmark edition that could reshape the global athletics landscape.