By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-08-06 16:25:31 | Updated at 2026-08-06 20:32:51
4 hours ago
London has submitted its final bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Athletic Ventures, a consortium comprising UK Athletics, London Marathon Events, and the Great Run Company, is pushing the campaign to stage the competition in the capital.
The bid centres on London Stadium, originally constructed for the 2012 Olympic Games and home to the London Diamond League for the past four years, as the primary venue for the championships.
A decision on which city will be awarded the 2029 edition is expected in September.
It is estimated that the championship will provide a £400milllion boost to the economy.
The UK Government threw its weight behind the bid in July 2025, with backing from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London, and UK Sport.
West Ham United, whose home ground is London Stadium, have also pledged their support.
The club released a statement reading: "West Ham United can confirm it has reached an agreement with London Stadium LLP and Athletics Ventures for London Stadium to be included as a host venue as part of a UK Government-backed bid to hold the 2029 World Athletics Championships in London.
London has submitted a bid to host the World Athletics Championship
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"The agreement follows a period of detailed negotiations with the organisers, London Stadium operators, local and national Government officials, and the relevant football governing bodies.
"Throughout the process, the club's highest priority has always been the West Ham United supporters, ensuring any agreed programme has minimal impact on the football schedule and respects the club's overriding priority principle as detailed in the concession agreement.”
"Any impact on the football schedule will be confirmed once it is known which division and other competitions West Ham United will be competing in during the 2029/30 season.
"Further discussions with the relevant football governing bodies can then take place to review and mitigate against any potential impact on the fixture schedule."
West Ham released a statement detailing the agreement
The agreement includes a "number of new initiatives that will enhance the stadium and matchday experience for supporters," according to the club.
Great Run Company chief executive Paul Foster described London as "the world's number one sporting city," while UK Athletics CEO Jack Buckner stressed the event's significance to the nation's "Olympic legacy".
Buckner said: "Bidding to hold the World Athletics Championships in the London Stadium, the showpiece of London 2012, was always at the centre of the UK's Olympic legacy plans.
The competition was last held in London in 2017
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"We are very grateful to the Government, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London, and UK Sport for their fantastic support for this bid.
"We're delighted that we have reached agreement with the London Stadium and West Ham United for the use of the London Stadium and our sincere thanks for their commitment in making this happen."
London last hosted the World Athletics Championships in 2017, selling out tickets.
