The UK Government has officially announced its support for bids to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships, reaffirming the nation’s

global leadership in staging major sporting events and its commitment to sport as a positive force for communities and the economy.

If successful, the World Athletics Championships would return to London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the iconic venue that hosted the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the highly acclaimed 2017 World Championships. Meanwhile, a host city outside the capital will be selected for the Para Athletics Championships, reflecting the Government’s aim to extend the reach and impact of elite sport across the UK.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“Bringing the World Athletics Championships to the UK would be moment of great national pride, building on our global reputation for hosting memorable sporting events that showcase the very best talent.

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.

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 Government’s backing includes a significant financial commitment, pending confirmation of funding from other partners. This underlines the UK’s ambition to once again welcome the world’s top athletes and deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and competitors alike.

The proposed events are expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, increase tourism, and promote community engagement and healthy lifestyles through sport. They would also support jobs and stimulate investment in local infrastructure.

This announcement adds to the UK’s impressive pipeline of major international sporting events, which already includes:

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 (England)

Commonwealth Games 2026 (Glasgow)

European Athletics Championships 2026

ICC T20 Cricket World Cups (Women’s in 2026, Men’s in 2030)

Invictus Games 2027 (Birmingham)

Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs 2027

UEFA EURO 2028

The bids will be delivered in partnership with Athletic Ventures, UK Sport, and host cities including the Greater London Authority. The effort aims to maximize the social, economic, and sporting legacy of the championships—showcasing the UK's unique ability to host the world's biggest events with passion, professionalism, and impact.

As London prepares to host a sold-out Diamond League meet—the world's biggest one-day athletics event—the momentum behind UK athletics has never been stronger. The 2029 Championships represent an exciting opportunity to build on that legacy and inspire a new generation.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said:

“Major sporting events deliver unforgettable moments and have the power to bring our country together like little else.

That’s why we’re excited to be backing a bid to bring the World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships back to the UK in 2029. As part of our Plan for Change, we want to build on our world class reputation as hosts, delivering not just economic benefits for the country but engaging communities, inspiring the next generation and showcasing the best of Britain to the world”.

Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport, said:

“Live sport matters. It brings people together in ways few other things can, creating happiness, pride and lasting memories. Hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships gives us the chance to once again unite the nation around these genuinely global events.

We welcome the Government’s commitment to extend our pipeline of hosted events, as we move forward with this bold and collaborative bid”.

Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said:

“We’d like to thank the Government for supporting these bids. Staging these events in the UK will not only inspire today’s elite athletes, but those of tomorrow, and will engage millions in our sport.

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”.

Sanjay Bhandari, Chair at Athletic Ventures, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that the Government has recognised the enormous value that the World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships can deliver for Britain — from jobs and investment to inspiring young people to get active.

Central government support is a catalytic first step enabling us to build further dialogue with potential host cities and build compelling bids for both championships. We will seek to create spectacular events that leave a lasting legacy for our communities. We’re excited to work with partners across sport, government and our potential host cities to make that vision a reality”.

Josh Kerr, 1500m world champion and double Olympic medallist, said:

“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.

Having the government support to bid for 2029 and potentially bring that experience back to London would be massive. It would inspire so many young athletes and give the sport the platform it deserves. I’m proud to support the bid and hope we get the chance to show the world what we can do on home soil”. Photo by Carlos Delgado, Wikimedia commons.