The World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to the African continent for the first time, as Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, has been awarded the 2029 edition. London, which had also put forward a strong proposal, was passed over in the final decision. Kenya has long been celebrated as a powerhouse in distance running, yet it has never before staged an event of such magnitude. While Nairobi prepares to welcome athletes from around the globe in 2029, the next edition after that will return to Europe, with Munich, Germany slated to host the 2031 championships.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe explained the selection process, noting, "We received four exceptional bids for the 2029 and 2031 championships, and the council faced a very tough choice." He made the announcement following the Ultimate Championship held in Hungary, emphasizing that the caliber, ambition, and dedication shown by all four applicants 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 Britain: "We are extremely saddened that London will not be the venue for the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Our bid was strong and we believed it would elevate the sport to new heights." Buckner continued, "We extend our gratitude to the Government, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London, and UK Sport for their unwavering support. We also thank the London Stadium, West Ham United, and all the partners who worked tirelessly on the bid. The United Kingdom remains a premier host for major sporting spectacles, and the British public has a deep love for athletics. Athletic Ventures will review our approach, regroup, and continue to pursue opportunities to bring world‑class events to the UK." He concluded with a congratulatory note to the Kenyan side, saying, "Our best wishes go to Nairobi and the organising committee for a successful 2029 championship." The decision marks a watershed moment for athletics, as the sport’s flagship competition will finally travel to Africa.
Coe underscored the significance, stating, "Bringing the championships to Africa for the first time is historic. Athletics is woven into the very fabric of Kenya." The recent Ultimate Championship, which featured a limited, invitation‑only field and offered large cash prizes instead of traditional medals, will give way next year to the conventional World Championships format in Beijing. That classic format stretches over ten days, compared with the three‑day schedule of the Ultimate event, and includes the full complement of track and field disciplines—events such as the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walks and the marathon that were absent from the Budapest program. Coe highlighted Kenya’s deep‑rooted connection to the sport, noting that the nation has produced a lineage of legendary athletes: "Kenya is one of the great athletics nations.
The sport is woven into the fabric of the country, and athletes such as world gold medallists Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri and David Rudisha, as well as two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, multiple world cross‑country champion Paul Tergat and multiple world half‑marathon champion Tegla Loroupe, have shaped the history of our sport." He added, "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." The selection of Nairobi is expected to have far‑reaching implications beyond the competition itself.
Hosting the championships will likely stimulate investment in sporting infrastructure, inspire a new generation of Kenyan athletes, and showcase Africa’s capacity to stage large‑scale international events. Local authorities have already begun outlining plans for stadium upgrades, athlete villages, and transport improvements to meet the exacting standards set by World Athletics.
Moreover, the event promises to boost tourism, with visitors from every continent expected to travel to Kenya to witness the world’s elite compete against the backdrop of Nairobi’s vibrant culture and scenic surroundings. The influx of fans, media, and support staff will provide a significant economic boost to hotels, restaurants, and ancillary services.
From a broader perspective, the move aligns with World Athletics’ strategic goal of expanding the sport’s global footprint and promoting inclusivity. By taking the championships to a new continent, the organization hopes to engage more diverse audiences, encourage participation at the grassroots level across Africa, and reinforce the message that elite athletics belongs to everyone, regardless of geography. While London’s bid fell short this time, UK Athletics has signalled its intention to remain a key player in future hosting cycles.
The disappointment expressed by Buckner and his team reflects not only a missed opportunity but also a determination to refine future proposals and continue advocating for the sport within the United Kingdom. In summary, Nairobi’s appointment as the 2029 World Athletics Championships host marks a historic first for Africa, celebrates Kenya’s storied running heritage, and sets the stage for a vibrant, globally‑watched event that will inspire athletes and fans alike. The world now looks forward to seeing how Kenya will rise to the occasion and deliver a championship that lives up to the sport’s lofty traditions while forging new pathways for future generations.