The process for allocating the 2029 World Athletics Championships venue has begun, and 108 of Britain's finest athletes, past and present, have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer to back a bid to bring the World Athletics Championships back to London.

The capital last staged the World Athletics Championships in 2017, when Sir Mo Farah – one of the signatories of the letter – memorably took gold in the 10,000m and silver in the 5000m for Britain at a superbly organised event. 

The next World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from 13 – 21 September 2025. The top GB athletes feel strongly that the event should return to London after 12 years. As the letter says: "We’ve stood on podiums with pride, but there is nothing like competing in front of a home crowd. For many athletes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience."  

The London bid would see the 2029 World Athletics Championships held in the iconic London Olympic Stadium, venue for the unforgettable 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2017 World Athletics Championships, and many Diamond League events.

Athletic Ventures – the joint venture between UK Athletics (UKA), Great Run Company, and London Marathon Events – has completed a feasibility study that projects a record-breaking economic and social impact of more than £400 million through its innovative plans for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. 

Dame Denise Lewis, President of UK Athletics (UKA), who was part of the team that secured the 2017 World Championships for London, said: "London 2017 showed the world what this city and this country can do. It was an incredible example of how we can unite behind a vision – full stadiums, global energy, and a lasting impact. I was proud to help bring that event to life, and I know we can do it again in 2029.”

Athletic Ventures believes that the timing of the bid aligns with the government’s current emphasis on economic growth and investment in infrastructure. With Birmingham set to host the European Athletics Championships in 2026, Athletic Ventures sees London 2029 as the natural next step in reaffirming the UK’s leadership in world athletics.

A formal expression of interest will be submitted to World Athletics in September. The bid is contingent on securing £45 million in government support for delivery. As the 108 GB athletes say in their letter to the government: "We're ready. We hope you are, too."

Photo of London Olympic Stadium in 2012 courtesy of Wikipedia Commons