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London is preparing to submit a bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, organisers confirmed on Saturday.
A collaborative venture involving UK Athletics, the Great Run Company, and London Marathon Events has completed a feasibility study, laying the groundwork for a formal expression of interest to World Athletics in September.
However, the bid hinges on securing £45 million in government funding to support the event’s delivery.
If successful, it would mark the first time London has hosted the championships since 2017, a memorable edition that saw a sold-out stadium for every session and was widely praised for its atmosphere and organisation.
The president of UK Athletics and a key figure behind the 2017 event, Denise Lewis, expressed her excitement at the prospect of bringing the championships back to London.
“London 2017 showed the world what this city and this country can do,” Lewis said. “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.”
The bid is being driven by Athletic Ventures, a partnership launched in April 2024 to harness the combined expertise of the three organisations involved and to create a more sustainable future for athletics in the UK.
The feasibility study suggests the 2029 World Championships could deliver an economic and social impact exceeding £400 million, further strengthening the case for government support.
Acknowledging the economic challenges, Lewis remains hopeful. “Yes, these are challenging times, but it’s precisely in moments like these that sport can lift us — economically, socially, and emotionally,” she said. “With the right backing, we can create a World Athletics Championships in 2029 that leaves a legacy to be proud of.”
