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 stage the 2029 edition. This decision means that London, which had also submitted a strong proposal, will not be the host city. Kenya has long been recognized as a powerhouse in distance running, producing a lineage of world‑class athletes, yet it has never before been the venue for an event of such magnitude.
While Nairobi prepares to welcome athletes from around the globe, the championships will return to Europe in 2031, with Munich, Germany, slated to host that edition. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the outcome after the conclusion of the Ultimate Championship in Hungary, noting, "We received four excellent bids for the 2029 and 2031 championships, and making a final choice was far from easy for the council." He added that the caliber, ambition, and dedication displayed by all contenders highlighted the event’s worldwide appeal and the robustness of the competition’s brand. Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed deep disappointment on behalf of the British side.
"We are truly sorry that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be staged in London. Our bid was built on the belief that we could elevate the sport to unprecedented 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 a host of other partners for their unwavering support throughout the bidding process. He emphasized that the United Kingdom remains a premier destination for major sporting spectacles and that the British public’s enthusiasm for athletics is unmatched.
"Athletic Ventures will review our approach, regroup, and continue to seek opportunities to bring world‑class competition to the UK," he affirmed. "We congratulate Nairobi and wish the organizing committee every success in delivering a memorable 2029 championship." The selection of Nairobi marks a watershed moment for the sport, signaling the first time the World Athletics Championships will be held on African soil. Coe remarked, "Bringing the championships to Africa for the first time is a historic step.
Athletics is woven into the very fabric of Kenya," underscoring the deep cultural connection between the nation and the sport. The decision follows the recent Ultimate Championship, an experimental format that featured sizable cash prizes rather than traditional medals and invited only a select group of the sport’s biggest names. That event will give way to the conventional World Championships format next year in Beijing, restoring the full ten‑day schedule that includes a comprehensive array of disciplines.
Unlike the streamlined Ultimate Championship, the traditional edition will feature events such as the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walking, and the marathon—contests that were absent from the Budapest program. Coe highlighted Kenya’s storied contribution to athletics, noting that the country’s heritage is embodied by legends such as Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, multiple world cross‑country champion Paul Tergat, and half‑marathon star Tegla Loroupe.
"Kenya is one of the great athletics nations. The sport is woven into the fabric of the country, and these athletes have shaped its history," he said. He added that the timing was right for Africa to host the championships, stating, "It was essential that the World Athletics Championships arrive in Africa when we have the right host, the right bid, and the right circumstances. Nairobi has demonstrated emphatically that this is their moment." Looking ahead, Nairobi’s organizers are tasked with delivering a world‑class event that meets the exacting standards set by World Athletics while showcasing the continent’s vibrant culture and passion for sport.
The city will need to secure suitable venues for track and field, road races, and field events, ensure robust athlete accommodation, and provide the logistical infrastructure required for a global audience. Local authorities and Kenyan athletics officials are already outlining plans to leverage existing facilities, such as the Kasarani Stadium, and to invest in upgrades that will meet international specifications. They also aim to involve community programs, schools, and grassroots clubs to create a legacy that extends beyond the competition itself, fostering increased participation in athletics across the region.
The 2029 championships are expected to attract thousands of spectators, extensive media coverage, and significant tourism revenue, offering a boost to Kenya’s economy and reinforcing its reputation as a hub for elite sport. Moreover, the event will provide African athletes with the advantage of competing on home soil, potentially inspiring a new generation of champions.
While London’s bid fell short this time, the United Kingdom remains committed to pursuing future opportunities to host major athletics events. The disappointment expressed by UK Athletics reflects a broader desire to keep the sport at the forefront of the national sporting calendar, and plans are already underway to refine future proposals. In summary, Nairobi’s selection as the host city for the 2029 World Athletics Championships represents a historic shift, bringing the sport’s premier competition to Africa for the first time.
The decision celebrates Kenya’s deep‑rooted running culture, promises economic and social benefits for the host nation, and sets the stage for a memorable showcase of athletic excellence in the years to come.