The upcoming World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to the African continent for the first time, with Nairobi, Kenya, officially selected as the host city for 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 has long been recognized as a powerhouse in distance running, producing legendary athletes and dominating many international races. Despite this reputation, the country has never before staged a competition of such magnitude.
The 2029 Championships will therefore mark Kenya's inaugural experience in organizing a global athletics meet of this scale. After Nairobi, the next host will be Munich, Germany, which is slated to stage the 2031 Championships.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe explained the selection process, noting that four impressive bids were received for the 2029 and 2031 editions. "We were fortunate to have four outstanding bids for 2029 and 2031, and this was not an easy decision for the council," Coe said after announcing the outcome at the Ultimate Championship event in Hungary. He added that the quality, ambition, and commitment shown by all the candidates highlighted the worldwide appeal and robustness of the World Athletics Championships.
Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed the disappointment felt in the United Kingdom. "We are deeply disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be held in London. We believed we had an outstanding bid which would genuinely take the sport to new levels," Buckner said. He thanked the British 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 support and hard work in assembling the proposal.
Buckner also emphasized the United Kingdom's proven ability to host major sporting spectacles and the enthusiasm of the British public for athletics. "Athletic Ventures has the ambition to bring those events here and, although today's announcement hasn't gone our way, we will review and regroup.
We know the world's athletes love competing here and we'll continue to explore further opportunities to make that happen," he added. He concluded by congratulating Nairobi and wishing the organising committee success for the 2029 event. The selection of Nairobi is viewed as a watershed moment for the sport, signalling the first time the premier athletics championship will be staged on African soil. Coe underscored the significance, stating, "Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic.
Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya." He highlighted Kenya's deep‑rooted connection to the sport, mentioning iconic figures such as Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, cross‑country legend Paul Tergat, and half‑marathon star Tegla Loroupe, all of whom have left an indelible mark on athletics history. The decision follows the recent Ultimate Championship, an experimental format that offered large cash prizes instead of medals and featured an invitation‑only roster of the sport's biggest names. That event, held in Budapest, lasted only three days and excluded several traditional disciplines.
In contrast, the standard World Championships will return to the classic ten‑day schedule, beginning with next year's edition in Beijing. The full program will reinstate events such as the men's triple jump, shot put, race walks, and the marathon—competitions that were omitted from the Ultimate Championship lineup. Coe reiterated why the timing was right for Africa to host. "It was important that the World Athletics Championships should come to Africa when we had the right host, the right bid and the right circumstances.
Nairobi has demonstrated emphatically that this is their moment," he said. The council believes Nairobi's infrastructure, enthusiasm, and the nation's storied running heritage provide an ideal backdrop for the championships, promising a vibrant atmosphere for athletes and fans alike.
Beyond the symbolic importance, the move to Nairobi is expected to stimulate investment in sports facilities, inspire a new generation of African athletes, and broaden the global reach of athletics. Local organizers plan to leverage Kenya's existing training camps and high‑altitude venues, offering competitors unique preparation conditions.
They also intend to incorporate cultural showcases, community outreach programs, and educational initiatives that highlight Kenya's rich sporting legacy. While the United Kingdom will regroup and seek future opportunities to host major athletics events, the focus now shifts to Nairobi's preparations. City officials have already begun outlining a comprehensive plan that includes stadium upgrades, transportation improvements, and hospitality enhancements to accommodate the influx of athletes, officials, media, and spectators from around the world. In summary, Nairobi's appointment as the 2029 World Athletics Championships host marks a historic first for Africa, reflects the continent's deep connection to the sport, and promises a memorable edition that will celebrate both athletic excellence and cultural diversity.
The athletics community worldwide looks forward to witnessing the event unfold in Kenya's capital, anticipating thrilling performances, inspiring stories, and a lasting legacy for future generations.