London’s 2029 World Athletics Championship Bid Gains Strong Momentum
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July 19, 2025
London is making a determined push to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, backed by a significant financial commitment from the UK government and key local authorities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged £45 million in funding—£35 million from the national government and £10 million from the Mayor of London’s office—to support the bid.
Powerhouse Partnership Leads the Charge
The bid is spearheaded by Athletic Ventures, a partnership between UK Athletics, the Great Run Company, and London Marathon Events. The group plans to submit a formal expression of interest to World Athletics by September 2025. If successful, the championships would return to London Stadium, the iconic venue from the 2012 Olympics and 2017 World Championships, while the World Para Athletics Championships would be hosted in a different UK city.
Athletes Rallying Behind the Cause
Over 100 prominent British athletes, including household names like Sir Mo Farah and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, have publicly endorsed the bid. They have called on the government to seize this opportunity to bring a world-class athletics event back to British soil, highlighting the inspiration and legacy such an event can create.
Economic and Social Benefits Expected
Studies project that hosting the championships could inject more than £400 million into the UK economy, boosting tourism, creating jobs, and inspiring a new generation of athletes. The bid aims to build on London’s world-class sporting infrastructure and national passion for athletics.
What’s Next?
The formal bid will be submitted later this year, with the final host city decision expected by the end of 2026. With strong government backing and widespread support from the athletic community, London is positioned as a frontrunner to host one of the biggest events in the global sporting calendar.
