UK backs bid to bring World Athletics Championships to London in 2029
The Government has today confirmed its support for bids to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships.
A bid would aim to boost the UK economy, further strengthen the country’s outstanding reputation for hosting the biggest and best events, and encourage more people to get involved in track and field, said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“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 said.
“Hosting these championships would not only unlock opportunities for UK athletes, but it would inspire the next generation to get involved and pursue their ambitions.”
Starmer added that the event would provide a boost for UK businesses and support jobs as well as bring our communities together.
“I’m delighted to support the bid.”
The London Stadium, which hosted the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as the hugely successful 2017 World Championships, is the proposed venue for the 2029 World Athletics Championships
Meanwhile, the Government is committed to taking the World Paras beyond the capital, with a host city to be confirmed in due course.
Subject to funding from partners being confirmed, the Government has agreed to provide significant funding for both bids, reflecting the UK’s ambition once again to bring the world’s greatest athletes to UK shores.
This major commitment comes with London today set to host a sold-out Diamond League event, the world’s biggest one-day athletics meet.
If successful, the Championships would mark another milestone in the UK’s exceptional record of hosting world-class events and its enduring commitment to investing in sport as a force for good.
The pipeline of major events already secured includes this Summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the European Athletics Championships 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women’s and men’s World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Departs 2027, and EURO 2028.
