London to bid for 2029 World Athletics Championships
London has submitted plans to bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships following a feasibility study projecting a £400m boost to the UK economy.
A formal expression of interest is due to be submitted to World Athletics in September, with the bid dependent on securing £45 million in government support.
Athletic Ventures, a body comprising UK Athletics, the Great Run Company, and London Marathon Events, has led the proposal.
London previously hosted the World Athletics Championships in 2017 at London Stadium, an event that drew record crowds and strong international engagement. Birmingham has been scheduled to host the European Athletics Championships in 2026.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships will take place in Tokyo, while Beijing will host the 2027 edition.
London’s bid forms part of the wider strategy to sustain the UK’s standing as a leading host of global sporting events, following its role in staging over 50 major sports events in 2024, and ahead of hosting UEFA EURO 2028 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 final.
Dame Denise Lewis, UK Athletics president and Olympic gold medallist, 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 that event to life, and I know we can do it again in 2029.”
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