Athens tipped to stage first version of recent world marathon championships from 2030.
World Athletics has confirmed plans to take away the marathon from the World Athletics Championships programme and exchange it with a standalone world occasion from 2030.
The marathon will nonetheless characteristic on the 2027 and 2029 editions of the World Championships, however from 2031 onwards it – or every other street working distance – will not be included.
As a substitute, a brand new World Marathon Championships can be launched in 2030 and staged yearly, with women and men competing in alternate years – the identical frequency as the present World Championships marathon.
The separate World Athletics Highway Working Championships will proceed as an annual occasion.
As a part of this new route, World Athletics has confirmed the opening of formal exploratory discussions for Athens to host the inaugural World Athletics Marathon Championships in 2030.
World Athletics and the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), with the cooperation of the Area of Attica, have additionally agreed a strategic partnership to raise the Athens Marathon The Genuine to the best tier of worldwide street racing.
The race has been awarded Elite Label standing, recognising its distinctive place in sporting historical past and its long-term potential throughout the worldwide calendar. This partnership marks the start of an formidable multi-year funding programme designed to modernise the unique Olympic course whereas preserving its 2500-year heritage.
“We’re delighted to be exploring the opportunity of a standalone World Marathon Championships with Athens – the place the place this iconic self-discipline was born,” stated World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.
“Few occasions in sport carry the burden and resonance of the marathon; it’s each a check of the very highest efficiency and a celebration of mass participation. This is a chance to create a devoted world celebration of marathon working, held in a setting that honours its heritage whereas shaping a contemporary championship that displays the size and spirit of the worldwide working neighborhood.”
World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon added: “The marathon is among the most common occasions in sport, and Athens is its non secular dwelling. Exploring the opportunity of a future standalone World Marathon Championships right here displays our ambition to convey the game’s best world showcase again to the place all of it started. This roadmap ensures the occasion meets the rigorous technical and operational requirements required for the world’s most prestigious stage.”
As a part of its transition to a global-tier occasion, the Athens Marathon – which can be held this yr on 8 November – is aligning its registration construction with World Athletics’ Elite requirements. This funding helps the expanded medical, security and participant companies required for its new standing.
