The upcoming World Athletics Championships will make history by traveling to Africa for the first time, as Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, has been confirmed as the host city for the 2029 edition. This decision means that London, which had also submitted a strong proposal, will not be staging the event. Kenya has long been recognized as a powerhouse in long-distance running, producing legendary athletes and dominating many international competitions.
Yet, despite its storied track record in the sport, the nation has never before hosted a championship of this magnitude. The 2029 meet will therefore mark a watershed moment for Kenyan athletics and for the continent as a whole. After Nairobi, the next scheduled edition will move back to Europe, with Munich, Germany slated to welcome the world’s best athletes in 2031.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe explained the selection process, noting that the council received four impressive bids for the 2029 and 2031 championships. "We were fortunate to have four outstanding bids for 2029 and 2031, and this was not an easy decision for the council," Coe said after announcing the outcome at the Ultimate Championship event in Hungary.
He added that the quality, ambition and commitment shown by all the applicants underscored the global appeal and enduring strength of the World Athletics Championships. Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed deep disappointment on behalf of the British side.
"We are deeply disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be held in London. We believed we had an outstanding bid which would genuinely take the sport to new levels," Buckner said.
He 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 stakeholders for their unwavering support during the bidding process. "The UK is an incredible host for major sports events and the British public loves athletics.
Athletic Ventures has the ambition to bring those events here and, although today's announcement hasn't gone our way, we will review and regroup. We know the world's athletes love competing here and we'll continue to explore further opportunities to make that happen," he added. Buckner concluded by congratulating Nairobi and wishing the organizing committee success in delivering a memorable championship in 2029.
His remarks reflect a broader sentiment within the athletics community: while the loss is a setback for London, the sport’s growth in new regions is a cause for celebration. Coe highlighted the historic nature of the decision, stating, "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 the sport goes far beyond its athletes' podium finishes.
The country has produced a lineage of icons such as Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, the late Kip Keino, Paul Tergat and Tegla Loroupe. These figures have not only amassed medals but also inspired generations of runners across the continent and worldwide. The selection of Nairobi also aligns with World Athletics' broader strategy to diversify the locations of its marquee events, ensuring that the sport reaches fans in regions that have traditionally been under‑represented on the global stage.
By awarding the 2029 Championships to an African city, the governing body hopes to stimulate investment in local infrastructure, boost youth participation, and showcase Africa’s capacity to host world‑class sporting spectacles. The upcoming championships will follow the traditional ten‑day format that fans are accustomed to, contrasting with the recent Ultimate Championship, which featured a condensed three‑day schedule and offered large cash prizes instead of medals for a select group of elite athletes.
The 2029 edition in Nairobi will restore the full complement of events, including the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walks, marathon and many others that were omitted from the Budapest Ultimate Championship program. Beyond the competition itself, Nairobi’s bid emphasized its readiness to provide state‑of‑the‑art facilities, robust transportation networks, and a vibrant cultural backdrop that can enrich the athlete and spectator experience. The city plans to leverage existing venues, upgrade stadiums, and incorporate community outreach programs that will leave a lasting legacy for Kenyan sport. Organizers also aim to involve local schools and clubs in the lead‑up to the event, creating pathways for young talent to engage with elite athletics.
In the months ahead, the focus will shift to detailed planning, ticketing strategies, and coordination with international broadcasters to ensure that the 2029 World Athletics Championships reach a global audience. Sponsors are expected to play a pivotal role, with many eager to associate their brands with a historic first for the continent.
While London’s bid fell short this time, UK Athletics has signaled its intention to remain competitive in future bidding cycles, potentially targeting the 2035 edition or other major athletics events such as the World Indoor Championships. The disappointment serves as a catalyst for introspection and improvement, reinforcing the importance of innovative proposals, community engagement, and sustainable legacy plans.
In summary, Nairobi’s successful bid marks a landmark achievement for African athletics, promising to bring the sport’s premier global competition to a new audience and to celebrate the deep-rooted passion for running that permeates Kenyan society. The 2029 World Athletics Championships are poised to be a showcase of athletic excellence, cultural exchange, and the unifying power of sport, setting the stage for a vibrant future for athletics on the African continent.