Ipc Switches Marathon Event To London

IPC Athletics, the international organisation for para-athletics, has moved the 2015 IPC Athletics Marathon World Championships from Doha, Qatar to the UK, with next year’s Virgin Money London Marathon now set to act as the qualifying event for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The organisation said that the rest of the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships would remain in Doha, adding that London ‘better suited the race schedules of the leading marathon racers,’ with media previously reporting concerns about the racing conditions in the Middle Eastern heat.

Up to 12 different medal events will take place in London on Sunday, 26th April, while the IPC Athletics World Championships will take place in Doha from 22nd to 31st October.

Ryan Montgomery, Head of IPC Athletics, said: ‘Following the success of the IPC Athletics Marathon World Cup in London for the last two years, we are delighted that the British capital will stage the IPC Athletics Marathon World Championships next year.’

‘London has a superb track record for staging top class marathon events, as demonstrated each year and during the London 2012 Paralympic Games. We are very excited about staging this event in the city in 2015.’

‘In addition to world titles being up for grabs, the races next year will have added impetus as they will act as qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and for some sport classes be the last opportunity to secure their place in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.’

Virgin Money London Marathon race director, Hugh Brasher, said: ‘The London Marathon has a proud history of inclusivity; we see it as a vital part of our organisational aims to continue to promote and empower the world of Paralympic sport over the coming years.’ 

‘The 2012 London Paralympic Games showed the massive British public support for Paralympic sport. We are very pleased to continue working with the IPC to develop and raise the profile of the para-athletes in all categories.’

‘We would like London to continue to be centre stage in developing the sport of elite marathon running within all categories, and look forward to welcoming back the world’s top para-athletes to London in April 2015.’