Nairobi to host 2029 World Athletics Championships in historic African first

Nairobi has been selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking a landmark moment for the African continent as the first nation on the continent to stage the sport's premier global competition. The announcement underscores Kenya's prominence in distance running and its established credentials as a major athletics hub.

The championship will be held in Kenya's capital following the Beijing Games in 2027 and preceding Munich's hosting in 2031. This scheduling reflects the World Athletics' strategic rotation of venues across different continents and regions.

Kenya has long been recognised as a powerhouse in distance running, particularly in marathon and middle-distance events, with Kenyan athletes consistently dominating global competition. The nation has hosted numerous international athletics events and possesses the necessary infrastructure and expertise to deliver a world-class championships.

The selection of Nairobi represents an opportunity to raise the profile of athletics across Africa and inspire the next generation of competitors on the continent. It also demonstrates World Athletics' commitment to expanding the reach of the sport beyond traditional European and Asian venues.