Get ready for a new pinnacle event in distance running. World Athletics has announced a major shake-up, confirming plans to launch a standalone marathon world championships starting in 2030. This move will see the iconic 26.2-mile race step out from the shadow of the biennial World Athletics Championships, where it has historically been one event among many.
The transition will be gradual. The marathon will remain part of the main championship program for the 2027 (Beijing) and 2029 editions. If London's bid for 2029 is successful, it could be the last city to crown marathon champions within the larger event. From 2030 onward, the marathon will have its own dedicated global stage.
This new format will see men's and women's world titles contested in alternating years, maintaining the current two-year championship cycle but with a sharper focus. The historic city of Athens, the birthplace of the marathon, is the leading candidate to host the inaugural standalone event in 2030, a symbolic nod to the discipline's legendary origins.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe emphasized the unique stature of the marathon, calling it "both a test of the very highest performance and a celebration of mass participation." This dedicated championship aims to fully celebrate that dual identity, creating a global festival specifically for the marathon distance. It's worth noting that the existing World Athletics Road Running Championships, which features shorter distances, will continue as a separate annual event.
Beyond the spectacle, the change addresses practical concerns for athlete safety. Marathon races at recent world championships have often been run in the peak summer heat, raising valid concerns about runner welfare. A standalone event allows for greater flexibility in scheduling, potentially moving the championship to a cooler season or a location with more favourable conditions, ensuring the world's best can compete at their peak while prioritizing their health.
For runners and fans alike, this evolution promises to elevate the marathon, giving the ultimate test of endurance the singular spotlight it deserves on the world stage.