London is gearing up to reclaim its status as a global athletics hub with the UK government officially backing the capital's bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. This announcement, made on July 19, 2025, marks a significant milestone for British athletics, promising to bring the prestigious event back to London Stadium for the first time since 2017.
The London Stadium, renowned for hosting the 2012 Olympic Games' opening and closing ceremonies as well as the 2017 World Athletics Championships, stands at the heart of this ambitious bid. On the day of the announcement, the stadium was buzzing with energy as it hosted a sold-out Diamond League meeting, drawing 60,000 spectators and underscoring London's capability to stage world-class athletics events.
Backing this bid, the UK government has pledged approximately £35 million in funding, complemented by an expected £10 million from the London Mayor's office, bringing public investment to around £45 million. This financial commitment follows months of persistent lobbying by UK Athletics and UK Sport, who have emphasized the event's potential to inspire the next generation of athletes and deliver substantial economic benefits. The championships are projected to generate an estimated £400 million in economic impact, a compelling argument amid broader government spending cuts.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his enthusiasm for the bid, stating, "Bringing the World Athletics Championships to the UK would be a moment of great national pride, building on our global reputation for hosting memorable sporting events that showcase the very best talent." He highlighted the championships' role in unlocking opportunities for UK athletes, inspiring young people, boosting businesses, supporting jobs, and fostering community unity.
The bid also includes a plan for the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships, with the government committed to taking this event beyond London, though the host city for the Para Championships is yet to be confirmed. This dual bid reflects the UK’s broader ambition to showcase inclusivity and excellence in athletics.
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, echoed the positive momentum in British athletics, noting, "After superb medal hauls over the last few years on the world, Olympic and Paralympic stage, athletics in the UK is on an upward trajectory, with new partners, record participation and sold-out stadia. This support will drive the sport on to new heights." The 2024 Paris Olympics, where Great Britain secured its best medal haul since 1984 and set eight national records, is a testament to this upward trend. Remarkably, Great Britain was the only nation to medal in all five relay events, underscoring the depth of talent in the country.
World 1500m champion and double Olympic medallist Josh Kerr reflected on his experience at the 2017 World Championships in London, saying, "London 2017 was my first senior World Championships, and it lit a fire in me. Being part of a home team in that kind of atmosphere was incredible – it made me hungrier than ever to become a world champion and chase Olympic medals." His words capture the inspirational power of hosting such events on home soil.
Former British athlete and BBC Sport commentator Steve Cram weighed in on the bid's prospects, emphasizing London's strengths: "The idea of the London Stadium was that it gets used for major championships. We can't use it every year for a Champs but it's been 12 years since we had a Championships back here. It would be phenomenal. Athletics needs venues where you put 60,000 people in for each session and we know London can do that so we've got a great chance with the government backing." He also noted London's accessibility within Europe, boosting its appeal as a host city.
The timing of the bid is crucial. The 2025 World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo, with Beijing set to host the 2027 edition. The bidding process for the 2029 and 2031 Championships opened in June 2025, with pre-qualification forms due by October 1, 2025. A final decision on the host city is expected in September 2026.
London's bid rides on the back of a rich legacy of hosting major athletics events, including the 2012 Olympics and the 2017 World Championships, both of which left an indelible mark on the sport and the city. The bid aims to build on this foundation, leveraging the city's world-class facilities, passionate fan base, and the momentum generated by recent athletic successes.
Beyond the immediate sporting impact, hosting the World Athletics Championships is seen as a catalyst for economic growth and community engagement. The event promises to support jobs, stimulate UK businesses, and bring diverse communities together through the shared excitement of world-class athletics.
As the UK prepares its bid, the athletics community and fans alike are hopeful that London will once again welcome the world's greatest athletes to its iconic stadium. The combination of government backing, financial commitment, and a proven track record positions London as a front-runner in the race to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
With a decision looming next year, all eyes will be on London as it seeks to secure this prestigious event, continuing its tradition of delivering unforgettable sporting moments and inspiring generations to come.
