London hopes to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, UK Sport, the mayor of London and Athletic Ventures advertised; A formal expression of interest will be submitted to World Athletics in September, with the bid that is conditional on securing £ 45 million in government support
Last Updated: 27/04/25 10:24
London Stadium could host the World Athletics Championships in 2029
London is preparing a bid to bring the World Athletics Championships back to the capital in 2029, the organizers have announced.
Athletic Ventures – the joint organization between UK ATHLETICS (UKA), The Great Run Company and the London Marathon Events – has completed a feasibility study prior to submitting a formal expression of interest in World Athletics in September.
The bid is conditional on securing £ 45 million. In government support for delivery and, if successful, would be the first time London has hosted the event since 2017, which boasted a sold -out stadium for each session.
UKA President Dame Denise Lewis, who was part of the team securing that edition, said: “London 2017 showed the world what this city and this country can do.
“It was an incredible example of how we can unite behind a vision – full stadiums, global energy and a lasting impact. I was proud to help bring this event to life and I know we can do it again in 2029.”
Athletic Ventures was launched in April 2024 with the ambition to maximize the unique expertise of the three organizations involved to create a more sustainable future for the sport in the UK and drive commercial growth and investment.
According to its feasibility study, the 2029 championships would be expected to generate an economic and social impact of more than £ 400m.
Denise Lewis hopes to secure state aid
Lewis is the optimistic campaign will be able to secure the required state aid, even if it acknowledged: “Yes, these are challenging times, but it is precisely in moments like these that sports can lift us – financially, socially, emotionally.
“With the right support we can create a World Cup in Athletics in 2029 that leaves a legacy to be proud of.”
Birmingham is ready to host the European athletics championships next summer, where the sport will also be a central feature of the scaled -down Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Lewis added: “Athletics remains the throbbing heart of the Olympic Games. From Keely Hodgkinson’s amazing 800 m gold last summer to super Saturday in 2012, when Jess Ennis -Hill, Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford turned on the nation – these are not just memories, they are milestones that inspire generations.”