The upcoming World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to Africa for the first time, as Kenya's capital Nairobi has been officially chosen to host the 2029 edition. This decision means that London, which had also submitted a strong bid, will not be the venue for the event. While Kenya has long dominated the distance‑running scene and produced countless world‑class athletes, it has never before staged a competition of this magnitude. The championships will later travel back to Europe, with Munich, Germany slated to host the 2031 edition.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the outcome after the Ultimate Championship held in Hungary, noting the difficulty of the selection process. "We received four excellent proposals for the 2029 and 2031 championships, and the council faced a tough choice," Coe explained.
He praised the quality, ambition and commitment shown by all four candidates, emphasizing how these attributes highlight the global reach and appeal of the World Athletics Championships. Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed disappointment on behalf of the British side. "We are deeply saddened that London will not host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Our bid was robust and we truly believed it would elevate the sport to new heights," 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 unwavering support and hard work in assembling the proposal.
He added that the United Kingdom remains a premier destination for major sporting events and that British fans have a genuine passion for athletics. "Athletic Ventures still aims to bring world‑class events to this country, and although today's decision was not in our favour, we will regroup, review our strategy and continue to seek opportunities that allow athletes to compete on British soil," Buckner affirmed.
He concluded by congratulating Nairobi and wishing the organising committee success for the 2029 Games. Nairobi's selection marks a watershed moment for the sport, signaling the first time the world’s premier athletics competition will be staged on African soil. Coe highlighted the cultural significance of the move, stating, "Bringing the championships to Africa for the first time is historic. Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya," underscoring the deep‑rooted connection between the nation and the sport.
Kenya’s rich heritage includes legendary figures such as Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, cross‑country star Paul Tergat and half‑marathon icon Tegla Loroupe. Their achievements have helped shape the global athletics narrative and reinforce Kenya’s status as a powerhouse. The decision arrives after the experimental Ultimate Championship, which replaced traditional medals with substantial cash prizes for an invitation‑only field of the sport’s biggest names.
That event, held in Budapest, featured a condensed three‑day schedule and a limited program. In contrast, the traditional World Championships will return to a full ten‑day format next year in Beijing, encompassing the complete range of track and field disciplines. This includes events such as the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walks and the marathon—competitions that were omitted from the Ultimate Championship’s abbreviated roster. Looking ahead, the 2029 championships in Nairobi are expected to showcase a broad spectrum of athletic contests, from sprinting and middle‑distance races to field events and road disciplines.
Organisers anticipate that the African setting will bring a fresh atmosphere, inspire local athletes, and attract worldwide viewership. The bid’s success also reflects Nairobi’s capacity to deliver large‑scale international events, with existing infrastructure like the Kasarani Stadium (also known as the Moi International Sports Centre) poised to accommodate athletes and spectators alike. The city’s experience hosting the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championships and other regional meets demonstrates its readiness. Beyond the sporting dimension, the event is projected to generate significant economic and social benefits for Kenya.
Tourism is expected to surge as fans, officials and media travel to experience the championships, while local businesses—from hotels and restaurants to transport providers—stand to gain from the influx of visitors. Moreover, the global spotlight on Nairobi could stimulate investment in sports development programs, youth training facilities and community outreach initiatives, fostering the next generation of Kenyan athletes.
The decision also underscores World Athletics’ commitment to diversifying the locations of its marquee events, ensuring that the sport’s premier stage reflects its truly global nature. By selecting Nairobi, the governing body acknowledges the importance of expanding opportunities beyond traditional strongholds in Europe, North America and Asia. This strategic move aligns with broader objectives to grow participation, inspire new fans and celebrate the cultural richness that different regions bring to athletics. In summary, Nairobi’s appointment as the host city for the 2029 World Athletics Championships represents a historic breakthrough for African athletics, while London’s missed opportunity serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of international sporting bids.
The forthcoming championships promise to deliver ten days of world‑class competition, celebrate Kenya’s deep athletic heritage, and potentially catalyse lasting positive impacts for the host nation and the sport as a whole.