The 2029 edition of the World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to the African continent for the first time, as Kenya’s capital Nairobi has been appointed the host city. This decision means that London, which had also put forward a strong proposal, will not be the venue for the upcoming global track and field showcase. Kenya has long been synonymous with elite distance running, producing a lineage of world‑record holders and Olympic champions.
Yet, despite its reputation as a powerhouse in the sport, the nation has never before staged an event of this magnitude. Nairobi’s selection therefore marks a significant milestone, not only for the country but for the entire athletics community, as the sport’s premier championship will finally be staged on African soil. The next edition after Nairobi’s turn will return to Europe, with Munich, Germany slated to host the 2031 championships.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the decision after the recent Ultimate Championship held in Hungary. He explained, “We were fortunate to receive four outstanding bids for the 2029 and 2031 editions, and the council faced a very difficult choice.” Coe praised the quality, ambition, and dedication demonstrated by every applicant, noting that the breadth of the bids highlighted the worldwide appeal and strength of the World Athletics Championships.
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,” Buckner said.
“We believed we had an outstanding bid that would genuinely elevate the sport.” He went on to thank 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 and hard work in assembling the proposal. Buckner emphasized that the United Kingdom remains a world‑class host for major sporting events and that the British public has a strong affection for athletics. “Athletic Ventures is determined to bring major athletics events to the UK, and although today’s announcement did not go our way, we will review, regroup, and continue to pursue future opportunities,” he added. He concluded by congratulating Nairobi and wishing the organizing committee success in delivering a memorable championship in 2029.
The decision to award the games to Nairobi is being hailed as a landmark moment for the sport. Coe remarked, “Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic.
Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya.” He highlighted the deep cultural connection Kenya has with running, referencing legendary athletes such as Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, multiple world cross‑country champion Paul Tergat, and half‑marathon icon Tegla Loroupe. These figures have not only dominated international competitions but have also inspired generations of Kenyan youth to take up the sport. Coe also stressed that the timing was right for Africa to host the championships.
“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 upcoming championships will follow the traditional ten‑day format that fans are accustomed to, featuring a full slate of events ranging from sprints and hurdles to field competitions such as the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walks, and the marathon.
This contrasts with the experimental Ultimate Championship held in Budapest, which featured a condensed three‑day schedule, invitation‑only fields, and prize money in place of medals. The return to the classic format in Beijing next year signals that the sport will continue to balance innovation with its storied heritage. Nairobi’s bid was praised for its comprehensive planning, infrastructure promises, and the enthusiasm of local authorities to deliver a world‑class event. The city plans to leverage existing facilities, upgrade stadiums, and ensure athlete accommodation meets international standards.
Moreover, the Kenyan government has pledged significant investment in transportation and hospitality sectors to accommodate the influx of athletes, officials, media, and spectators from around the globe. Beyond the logistical aspects, hosting the championships is expected to generate a substantial economic boost for Kenya. Tourism, hospitality, and related industries anticipate increased revenue, while the global exposure may attract future sporting events and encourage further development of athletics programs throughout the continent. Local schools and community groups are already preparing outreach initiatives to capitalize on the excitement, hoping to inspire the next generation of Kenyan runners and field athletes.
While the United Kingdom will regroup after the setback, the broader athletics community is celebrating the inclusive step forward represented by Nairobi’s selection. The move underscores World Athletics’ commitment to diversifying the locations of its flagship events, ensuring that the sport’s rich history is shared across different regions and cultures. In summary, Nairobi’s appointment as the host for the 2029 World Athletics Championships marks a historic first for Africa, reflecting both the continent’s deep-rooted passion for running and its growing capacity to stage world‑class sporting spectacles. London’s bid, though strong, was ultimately outshone by the compelling case presented by Kenya’s capital.
The world now looks forward to a vibrant, culturally rich championship that promises to showcase the very best of global athletics on African soil.