London's Bid for 2029 World Athletics Championships Gains Momentum
Published Date: 19th Jul, 2025
July 19, 2025
London is intensifying its efforts to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with the UK government officially backing the bid. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a £45 million funding commitment, comprising £35 million from the national government and £10 million from the Mayor of London’s office. This support follows extensive lobbying by UK Athletics, UK Sport, and Mayor Sadiq Khan.
The bid is led by Athletic Ventures—a collaboration between UK Athletics, the Great Run Company, and London Marathon Events—and aims to submit a formal expression of interest to World Athletics in September 2025. If successful, the event would return to the London Stadium, the venue for the 2012 Olympics and the 2017 World Championships. The 2029 World Para Athletics Championships are expected to be hosted in another UK city.
Athletes Rally Behind the Bid
Over 100 of Britain’s most celebrated athletes, including Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, have united in support of the bid. In an open letter, they urged the government to seize the opportunity to bring the World Athletics Championships back to London, emphasizing the inspirational impact of hosting such a prestigious event on home soil.
Projected Economic Impact
A feasibility study conducted by Athletic Ventures projects that the 2029 championships could generate an economic and social impact exceeding £400 million across the UK. The bid is designed to leverage existing world-class infrastructure and national enthusiasm for athletics to deliver a successful event.
Looking Ahead
The formal bid submission to World Athletics is scheduled for September 2025, with a decision expected in late 2026. The government's backing and the strong support from athletes and the public position London as a leading contender to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Date: 19th Jul, 2025
