London has lost its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with the event awarded to Nairobi and set to be held in Africa for the first time.
Key facts
- Nairobi will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
- It marks the first time the championships will be held in Africa.
- London lost out in its bid to host the event.
- The decision was reported by Sky News on 15 September 2026.
London has lost out to Nairobi in its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, according to Sky News. The event will be held in Africa for the first time.
The decision means the Kenyan capital will stage one of athletics’ flagship global competitions, a significant milestone for the sport on the continent.
London had entered a bid to host the championships but was unsuccessful, Sky News reported.
The 2029 edition will be the first time the World Athletics Championships takes place in Africa, according to the outlet.
Why it matters
Awarding the World Athletics Championships to Nairobi brings a major global sporting event to Africa for the first time, a landmark moment for the continent's presence in international athletics. For London, missing out represents a setback in its efforts to host high-profile sporting competitions.
Frequently asked questions
Where will the 2029 World Athletics Championships be held?
The 2029 World Athletics Championships will be held in Nairobi, according to Sky News.
Why is this event significant?
It will be the first time the World Athletics Championships is held in Africa, according to Sky News.
Did London bid to host the event?
Yes, London bid to host the 2029 championships but lost out to Nairobi, according to Sky News.