A 60,000 sold-out London Diamond League this summer season demonstrates the thirst for observe and area within the British capital
UK Athletics, London Marathon Occasions and the Nice Run Firm have known as on the Authorities to financially help the bid for London to stage the World Athletics Championships in 2029.
The three organisations, who joined forces just lately underneath the title of Athletic Ventures, delivered their message to the Authorities on the identical day when it was introduced the Diamond League in London in 50 days’ time might be bought out with 60,000 tickets gone.
“That is but extra proof that athletics within the UK delivers on each stage,” mentioned Hugh Brasher, Occasion Director of the London Marathon and a co-founder of Athletic Ventures.
“We promote out stadiums. We ship world moments. And we do it with a business and neighborhood mannequin that drives long-term progress and legacy. Backing London 2029 makes financial and strategic sense. With authorities help behind the bid, we are able to ship a World Championships that conjures up a era and generates over £400 million in affect. That’s the chance in entrance of us.”
The sell-out comes sizzling on the heels of the record-breaking 2025 TCS London Marathon, the largest ever held wherever on this planet, with greater than 56,000 finishers and over £250 million in projected financial affect and provides weight to the marketing campaign to carry the World Athletics Championships again to the UK for the primary time since 2017.
Athletic Ventures believes the UK is now in a stronger place than ever to host the occasion once more. Its supply mannequin requires one-off public funding in 2028, guarantees nationwide financial affect, and is uniquely positioned to create lasting nationwide legacy. However a key part stays: a £45 million authorities funding in 2028 to assist safe the Championships and ship it to the best customary.
“We’re asking the federal government to again a bid that’s constructed on proof, supply, and momentum,” added Brasher. “This isn’t a speculative punt. It’s a wise and restricted funding in a sport that connects each neighborhood within the nation and delivers actual financial return. The London Athletics Meet promoting out – once more – reveals the urge for food is there. Let’s not miss this second.”
Dame Denise Lewis, President of UK Athletics mentioned: “Achievements like this remind us simply how deeply athletics resonates with the British public. A sold-out London Stadium isn’t just successful story for one meet, it’s a strong sign of what we are able to obtain collectively.
“This has the potential to be one other golden period for British athletics with Keely Hodgkinson, Matt Hudson-Smith, Amber Anning, Jeremiah Azu, Molly Caudery and extra profitable gold at worldwide championships. The urge for food is there, the infrastructure is confirmed, and the legacy potential is gigantic. London 2029 isn’t simply the precise bid, it’s the precise time.”
Sanjay Bhandari, Chair of Athletic Ventures, added: “A full stadium isn’t only a ticketing milestone, it’s an announcement of connection. Athletics reaches into each nook of our communities, from grassroots golf equipment to main world moments. This sell-out reveals the general public is with us. Now we’d like the federal government to match that power. London 2029 could be a championship for everybody and a catalyst for actual social and financial affect throughout the UK.”
The formal bid to World Athletics is because of be submitted this September.
