The upcoming World Athletics Championships will mark a historic first by moving to the African continent, as Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, has been officially selected to host the 2029 edition. This decision means that London, which had also put forward a strong bid, will not be the venue for this premier global track and field event.
Kenya has long been recognized as a powerhouse in distance running, producing legendary athletes and dominating many international competitions. Yet, despite its storied history in the sport, the nation has never before hosted an event of such magnitude.
The 2029 Championships will therefore be a milestone not only for Kenyan athletics but for the entire continent, showcasing Africa’s capacity to stage world‑class sporting spectacles. The next edition after Nairobi will return to Europe, with Munich, Germany slated to host the 2031 Championships.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the outcome after the recent Ultimate Championship held in Hungary. Coe explained, “We were fortunate to receive four outstanding bids for the 2029 and 2031 cycles, and making a final choice was far from easy for the council.” He praised the quality, ambition, and commitment demonstrated by all four candidate cities, noting that these qualities underscore the global appeal and enduring strength of the World Athletics Championships.
Jack Buckner, chief executive officer of UK Athletics and co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed deep disappointment on behalf of the London bid team. “We are profoundly disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be staged in London,” Buckner said. “We believed our proposal was exceptional and would elevate the sport to new heights.” He went on to thank a wide range of supporters, including 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 who contributed time and resources to the bid.
Buckner highlighted the United Kingdom’s strong track record of hosting major sporting events and the British public’s enthusiasm for athletics. He affirmed that Athletic Ventures remains committed to bringing high‑profile competitions to the UK, stating, “Although today’s announcement did not go our way, we will review the outcome, regroup, and continue to explore opportunities that allow world‑class athletes to compete on British soil.” He concluded by congratulating Nairobi and wishing the organizing committee success in delivering a memorable championship in 2029. The selection of Nairobi is being hailed as a watershed moment for the sport. Coe emphasized the significance, saying, “Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic.
Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya.” He reminded listeners that Kenya’s contribution to athletics extends far beyond distance events, citing a roster of iconic athletes 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. These figures have not only amassed medals but have also inspired generations and helped shape the sport’s global narrative. Coe added that the timing was right for Africa to host the championships, noting that Nairobi presented a compelling bid backed by strong governmental and community support. “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 decision comes after the recent Ultimate Championship, an experimental format that offered substantial cash prizes instead of traditional medals and featured an invitation‑only field of the sport’s biggest names. That event, held in Budapest, lasted only three days and focused on a limited set of marquee races.
In contrast, the traditional World Championships span ten days and include a full slate of events ranging from sprints and middle‑distance races to technical disciplines such as the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walking, and the marathon. The broader program ensures that athletes across all specialties have the opportunity to compete on the world stage. Nairobi’s bid highlighted several strengths that likely swayed the council’s decision. The city offers a high‑altitude environment that can benefit endurance athletes, a passionate local fan base, and a growing infrastructure for international sport.
The Kenyan government has pledged significant investment in stadium upgrades, transportation, and athlete accommodation, ensuring that the event will meet the rigorous standards set by World Athletics. Moreover, the bid emphasized sustainability and community engagement, promising legacy projects that will benefit local schools, youth programs, and grassroots athletics long after the championships conclude. The upcoming 2029 Championships are expected to attract athletes from over 200 nations, drawing global media attention and tourism to Nairobi.
Organizers anticipate that the event will boost Kenya’s economy, create jobs, and inspire a new generation of African athletes to pursue elite competition. By bringing the world’s most prestigious track and field meet to Africa, World Athletics aims to broaden the sport’s reach, diversify its fan base, and reinforce its commitment to global inclusion. In the wake of the announcement, the UK athletics community is already planning its next steps.
UK Athletics has indicated that it will analyze the feedback from the bid process, strengthen relationships with government bodies, and potentially develop a revised proposal for future championships or other major events, such as the Commonwealth Games or a future World Athletics Indoor Championships. The disappointment expressed by Jack Buckner and his team reflects a broader desire within the UK to maintain a leading role in the international athletics calendar. Overall, the decision to award the 2029 World Athletics Championships to Nairobi signals a transformative moment for the sport.
It acknowledges Kenya’s deep cultural connection to athletics, celebrates the continent’s growing capacity to host world‑class events, and promises a vibrant, inclusive, and unforgettable competition that will inspire athletes and fans worldwide.