The upcoming World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to Africa for the first time, as Kenya's capital Nairobi has been officially appointed 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 that year’s marquee track‑and‑field event. Kenya is renowned worldwide for its dominance in long‑distance running, yet it has never before staged a competition of this magnitude. While Nairobi prepares to welcome athletes from around the globe, 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" in Hungary, noting, "We received four excellent bids for 2029 and 2031, and reaching a decision was far from easy for the council." He added that the high calibre, ambition and dedication displayed by all four candidates highlighted the event’s worldwide appeal and the robustness of its brand. Jack Buckner, the chief executive of UK Athletics and a co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed his disappointment on behalf of the British side. "We are extremely saddened that London will not be the stage for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. 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 numerous other partners for their unwavering support throughout the bidding process. He continued, "The United Kingdom has a proven record of delivering major sporting spectacles and the British public has a deep love for athletics. Athletic Ventures remains committed to bringing world‑class events to the UK, and although this announcement was not in our favour, we will regroup, reassess and continue to pursue future opportunities. The world’s elite athletes cherish competing on British soil, and we will keep working to make that happen." Buckner concluded by congratulating Nairobi, saying, "Our sincere congratulations go to the Kenyan organising committee.
We wish them every success in delivering a memorable championship in 2029." Nairobi’s selection marks a watershed moment for the sport, as it will be the first time the World Athletics Championships are staged on African soil. Coe highlighted the significance, stating, "Bringing the championships to Africa for the first time is historic.
Athletics is woven into the very fabric of Kenya’s culture and identity." The decision follows the recent "Ultimate Championship" experiment, which replaced traditional medals with substantial cash prizes and featured an invitation‑only roster of the sport’s biggest names. That format was a one‑off event; the championships will revert to the classic ten‑day programme in Beijing next year, featuring the full complement of track and field disciplines. Unlike the condensed three‑day Ultimate Championship, the traditional World Championships span ten days and include a wide array of events such as the men’s and women’s triple jump, shot put, race walks, and the marathon—competitions that were absent from the Budapest schedule of the Ultimate edition.
Coe also underscored Kenya’s deep‑rooted connection to athletics, citing legendary figures who have shaped the sport’s history. He mentioned world‑champion distance runners Faith Kipyegon and Vivian Cheruiyot, marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge, long‑distance star Hellen Obiri, and 800‑metre legend David Rudisha. He also paid tribute to two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, multiple world cross‑country champion Paul Tergat and half‑marathon record‑holder Tegla Loroupe, noting that their achievements have cemented Kenya’s status as a powerhouse in athletics. "It was essential that the World Athletics Championships find a home in Africa at a time when the continent had the right host, the right bid and the right circumstances," Coe said.
"Nairobi has proved unequivocally that this is their moment, and we are excited to see the sport flourish there." The move to Nairobi is expected to boost the profile of athletics across the continent, inspire a new generation of African athletes, and bring economic and infrastructural benefits to Kenya’s capital. Organisers are already planning extensive community engagement programmes, legacy projects for local schools, and upgrades to existing stadium facilities to meet the stringent standards required for a global event. While London’s bid fell short, the city’s athletics community remains optimistic. UK Athletics has indicated that it will continue to develop its long‑term strategy for hosting major events, leveraging the experience gained from previous successes such as the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2017 World Championships held at the London Stadium.
In summary, Nairobi’s appointment as the 2029 World Athletics Championships host represents a historic shift, bringing the sport’s premier competition to Africa for the first time. The decision reflects both the continent’s growing capacity to stage world‑class events and the sport’s commitment to global inclusivity. As preparations begin, athletes, officials and fans worldwide will watch closely to see how Kenya showcases its rich running heritage on the world stage.