The UK government confirmed its support for bids to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships.
According to the bid committee’s press release, the events will “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.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “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.
The UK Government has confirmed their support of our bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships 🤝
— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) July 19, 2025
Please express your own support for the bid by sharing this across your own channel. pic.twitter.com/aKXvmrAQi0
The London Stadium, home of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as the successful 2017 World Athletics 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 to “once again bring the world’s greatest athletes to UK shores.”
The release continues to support the big process, citing the economic benefits and the cultural aspects.
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.
“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,” shared Jeff Kerr, Olympic and World Champion medallist.
