The upcoming World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to Africa for the first time, as Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, has been officially selected to stage the 2029 edition. This decision means that London, which had also submitted a strong bid, will not be the host city for that year.
Kenya has long been recognized as a powerhouse in long‑distance running, producing legendary athletes and dominating many international competitions. However, the nation has never before organized an event of this magnitude. The 2029 championships will therefore mark a milestone not only for Kenyan sport but also for the continent, showcasing Africa’s capacity to host world‑class athletics gatherings.
After Nairobi, the next host will be Munich, Germany, which will stage the 2031 championships. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the outcome after the Ultimate Championship event in Hungary. He explained, "We received four excellent proposals for the 2029 and 2031 editions, and the council faced a very tough choice. The quality, ambition and commitment shown by each candidate highlight the global strength and appeal of the World Athletics Championships." Coe’s remarks underscored the competitive nature of the bidding process and the high standards required to win the right to host.
Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed disappointment on behalf of the British side. "We are deeply disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be held in London," he said.
"We believed our bid was outstanding and would have taken the sport to new heights. We thank the Government, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London and UK Sport for their tremendous support, as well as the London Stadium, West Ham United and the many stakeholders who worked tirelessly on the proposal." Buckner continued, "The United Kingdom remains an exceptional venue for major sporting events, and the British public loves athletics.
Athletic Ventures is determined to bring world‑class competitions to the UK, and although today’s decision did not go our way, we will review our approach, regroup and keep pursuing opportunities. The world’s athletes cherish competing here, and we will continue to explore ways to make that happen. Our congratulations go to Nairobi, and we wish the organising committee a successful 2029 event." Nairobi’s selection is being hailed as a watershed moment for the sport.
Coe emphasized the symbolic importance, stating, "Bringing the championships to Africa for the first time is historic. Athletics is woven into the very fabric of Kenya, and this event will celebrate that deep connection." The decision arrives after the recent Ultimate Championship, a novel format that offered large cash prizes rather than medals and featured an invitation‑only roster of the sport’s biggest names.
That experimental event will be followed by a return to the traditional World Championships format next year in Beijing, which will again feature the full complement of track and field disciplines over a ten‑day schedule. The classic format includes events such as the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walks and the marathon—competitions that were omitted from the streamlined Ultimate Championship held in Budapest. Coe also highlighted Kenya’s rich athletic heritage, noting that the country has produced a pantheon of champions: world‑record holders and Olympic gold medallists like Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri and David Rudisha, as well as historic figures such as two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, multiple world cross‑country champion Paul Tergat and half‑marathon legend Tegla Loroupe.
"Kenya is one of the great athletics nations. The sport is woven into the fabric of the country," Coe said, adding that the presence of such icons underscores why Africa now deserves to host the sport’s premier global meet. The upcoming Nairobi Championships are expected to feature the full range of events that define the World Athletics programme. Over ten days, athletes from around the globe will compete in sprints, middle‑distance races, hurdles, jumps, throws, combined events and road races.
The inclusion of the marathon and race‑walking events will bring the competition back to its traditional breadth, offering fans a comprehensive showcase of human speed, strength and endurance. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the 2029 Championships are anticipated to generate significant economic and social benefits for Kenya. Hosting an event of this scale typically spurs infrastructure development, tourism growth, and international media exposure.
Local businesses—from hotels and restaurants to transport providers—stand to gain from the influx of athletes, officials, media crews and spectators. Moreover, the event is likely to inspire a new generation of Kenyan youth to engage in athletics, reinforcing the sport’s deep cultural roots and potentially uncovering future champions. The selection also reflects a broader strategic vision by World Athletics to diversify the locations of its flagship events, ensuring that the sport reaches new audiences and markets.
By awarding the 2029 edition to Nairobi, the governing body signals its commitment to inclusivity and to recognizing the contributions of African athletes to the global athletics narrative. In summary, while London’s bid fell short, Nairobi’s successful proposal marks a historic first for Africa and sets the stage for a memorable 2029 World Athletics Championships. The event promises to blend Kenya’s storied running legacy with the excitement of a full‑scale, world‑class competition, delivering an unforgettable experience for athletes, fans and the host nation alike.