London is gearing up to reclaim its place on the world athletics stage by bidding to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with a formal proposal slated for submission to World Athletics in September. This ambitious move, announced by UK Sport, Mayor Sadiq Khan, and Athletic Ventures on the eve of the 45th London Marathon, hinges on securing £45 million ($59.9 million) in government funding to bring the event to life.
The bid is backed by a comprehensive feasibility study projecting a staggering £400 million boost to the local economy, underscoring the massive economic and social impact the championships could deliver. Athletic Ventures – a collaboration between UK Athletics, the Great Run Company, and London Marathon Events – is spearheading the campaign, leveraging their combined expertise to ensure the event’s success and sustainability.
London last hosted the World Championships in 2017, an event that dazzled the world with packed stadiums and electrifying atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium. UK Athletics President and Olympic heptathlon gold medalist Dame Denise Lewis, a key architect of the 2017 success, expressed confidence that the city can replicate that magic. “London 2017 showed the world what this city and country are capable of,” she said. “It was a remarkable example of how we can unite behind a shared vision-full stadiums, vibrant energy, and a lasting legacy. I am confident we can achieve this once more in 2029.”
The announcement comes as approximately 56,000 runners took to the streets for the London Marathon, highlighting the city’s rich sporting culture and passion. This bid forms part of a broader strategy to redefine how the UK hosts major international sporting events, following Birmingham’s selection to host the 2026 European Athletics Championships.With global athletics powerhouses Tokyo and Beijing hosting the 2025 and 2027 editions respectively, London aims to bring the championships back to Europe with a spectacular showcase of sport, culture, and economic vitality. If successful, the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not only celebrate athletic excellence but also reinforce London’s status as a world-class sporting capital.