World Athletics Championships: London misses out as Nairobi secures 2029 event | 'We are deeply disappointed'

15 September 2026, 10:32 | Updated: 15 September 2026, 15:56

The World Athletics Championships are heading to Africa for the first time after Kenya's capital Nairobi was confirmed as host of the 2029 edition, with London missing out.

Kenya has long been a superpower in distance running but has yet to host an event of this scale. The championships will return to Germany in 2031 with Munich hosting.

"We were fortunate to have four outstanding bids for 2029 and 2031, and this was not an easy decision for the council," said World Athletics president Sebastian Coe as he announced the decision following the Ultimate Championship in Hungary.

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