On Sunday, the U.Okay. observe and subject governing our bodies introduced their bid to carry the 2029 World Athletics Championships again to London. The announcement follows the current success of the 2025 London Marathon, which, with its 56,640 finishers, set a brand new world report for the largest variety of marathon finishers, surpassing the 2024 New York Metropolis Marathon.
The final world championships in London, held in 2017, noticed sold-out periods all through the occasion.
“London 2017 confirmed the world what this metropolis and this nation can do,” mentioned U.Okay. Athletics president Dame Denise Lewis. “It was an unimaginable instance of how we will unite behind a imaginative and prescient–full stadiums, world vitality, and a long-lasting influence. I used to be proud to assist carry that occasion to life, and I do know we will do it once more in 2029.” The 2026 European Athletics Championships are already set for Birmingham.
A projected influence exceeding £400 million
Athletic Ventures–a collaboration between U.Okay. Athletics, Nice Run Firm and London Marathon Occasions–initiatives social and financial influence exceeding £400 million (C$743 million). In keeping with Lewis, this projected influence is sort of triple that of a “conventional” world championships in London.
In September, a proper bid can be submitted to World Athletics, pending £45 million in authorities funding to help the occasion’s supply.
If the bid is profitable, high athletes like Keely Hodgkinson, Georgia Bell, Dina Asher-Smith, Zharnel Hughes and Jake Wightman may contend for podium spots earlier than a house crowd.