The upcoming World Athletics Championships will make history by moving to the African continent for the first time, as Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, has been officially selected to stage the 2029 edition. This decision means that London, which had also put forward a strong bid, will not be the host city for that year. Kenya has long been recognised as a powerhouse in distance running, producing legendary figures and dominating many international competitions.
Yet, despite its deep roots in the sport, the country has never before hosted an event of such magnitude. The 2029 Championships will therefore represent a landmark moment for Kenyan athletics and for the broader African sporting community.
After Nairobi, the next host will be Munich, Germany, which is slated to stage the 2031 Championships, bringing the event back to Europe after its historic African debut. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe announced the decision at a press conference following the conclusion of the Ultimate Championship held in Hungary. Coe explained that the council had received four high‑quality bids for the 2029 and 2031 editions, making the choice particularly challenging.
"We were fortunate to have four outstanding bids for 2029 and 2031, and this was not an easy decision for the council," Coe said. He praised the ambition and dedication demonstrated by each applicant, noting that the strong competition underscored the global appeal and prestige of the World Athletics Championships.
The reaction from the United Kingdom was one of disappointment. Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co‑founder of Athletic Ventures, expressed his sorrow that London would not be the venue. "We are deeply disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be held in London," Buckner stated.
He emphasized that the British bid had been meticulously crafted and believed it would elevate the sport to new heights. Buckner also thanked a 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 had contributed time and resources to the bid. Despite the setback, Buckner remained optimistic about future possibilities.
He highlighted the United Kingdom's proven track record of hosting major sporting events and the British public's enthusiasm for 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," he said. Buckner affirmed that the world’s elite athletes love competing in the UK and that the organization would continue to explore avenues to bring high‑profile competitions back to British soil.
Congratulatory remarks were also extended to Nairobi. Buckner concluded his statement by wishing the Kenyan organizing committee success in delivering a memorable championship in 2029. The selection of Nairobi marks a historic milestone for the sport.
Coe described the decision as "historic" and emphasized that athletics is deeply embedded in Kenya’s cultural fabric. "Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic," he declared, adding that the sport is "woven into the fabric of Kenya." The decision follows the recent Ultimate Championship, an experimental format that offered substantial cash prizes rather than traditional medals and featured an invitation‑only field of the sport’s biggest names.
That event, which took place in Budapest, was a departure from the classic ten‑day schedule of the World Championships, condensing competition into three days. However, the traditional format will return in 2029, with a full complement of events spread across ten days, including disciplines that were omitted from the Ultimate Championship such as the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walking, and the marathon.
Coe highlighted Kenya’s rich athletic heritage, naming several of the nation’s most celebrated athletes. He referenced world gold‑medalists Faith Kipyegon and Vivian Cheruiyot, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, distance star Hellen Obiri, and 800‑meter champion David Rudisha, as well as historic figures like two‑time Olympic champion Kip Keino, cross‑country titan Paul Tergat, and half‑marathon champion Tegla Loroupe. "Kenya is one of the great athletics nations.
The sport is woven into the fabric of the country," Coe said, acknowledging the profound impact these athletes have had on the global stage. Coe also stressed the importance of timing and readiness. He noted that the World Athletics Championships should arrive in Africa when the continent has a capable host, a compelling bid, and favorable circumstances. "Nairobi has demonstrated emphatically that this is their moment," Coe affirmed, signaling confidence that the Kenyan capital is prepared to deliver a world‑class event.
Looking ahead, the 2029 Championships in Nairobi are expected to draw athletes from across the globe, showcasing a full range of track and field competitions. The event will not only provide a platform for elite performances but also inspire a new generation of African athletes, reinforcing Kenya’s status as a central hub for distance running while expanding the sport’s reach into other disciplines. The anticipation is building among athletes, fans, and officials alike, all eager to witness how Nairobi will blend its rich running legacy with the logistical demands of hosting a multi‑sport spectacle.
In summary, the decision to award the 2029 World Athletics Championships to Nairobi marks a transformative step for the sport, bringing its premier competition to Africa for the first time, celebrating Kenya’s deep‑seated running culture, and setting the stage for a vibrant, inclusive, and historic global event.