London has announced its intention to bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships following a feasibility study that projects a staggering £400 million boost to the UK economy.
The bid, spearheaded by Athletic Ventures—a consortium comprising UK Athletics (UKA), the Great Run Company, and London Marathon Events—seeks to bring the prestigious event back to the capital after its successful hosting in 2017.
The move comes as Birmingham prepares to host the 2026 European Athletics Championships, reinforcing the UK’s reputation as a prime destination for major sporting events.
World Athletics will receive a formal expression of interest in September, contingent on securing £45 million in government funding.
UK Athletics president and Olympic gold medalist Dame Denise Lewis, emphasized the transformative power of hosting global sporting events.
“London 2017 showed the world what this city and this country can do,” Lewis said as quoted by BBC Sports.
“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.”
“Global sporting events generate far more than just medals—they ignite economies, inspire communities, and shine a light on everything we have to offer as a nation, “Lewis added
The 2029 bid places London in a strong position, given its existing infrastructure, including the iconic London Stadium, which served as the centerpiece for the 2012 Olympics and 2017 World Championships.
However, competition will be fierce, with other global cities likely vying for the opportunity to host the event.
This year’s World Championships will take place in Tokyo, Japan, while Beijing, China, has been selected as the host for the 2027 edition.
Should London succeed, it would mark the third time the UK has staged the event, following London in 2017 and the inaugural edition in Helsinki in 1983.