Athens in running to host inaugural world marathon championships

The marathon race will remain part of the World Athletics Championships in 2027 and 2029, but from 2030 will become a standalone annual event, with men and women competing in alternate years.

“We are delighted to be exploring the possibility of a standalone World Marathon Championships with Athens, the place where this iconic discipline was born,” World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said in a statement.

The origins of the marathon — which is now run over 42.195km (26.2 miles) — go back to ancient Greece with the race for men first introduced in the modern Olympic Games in 1896.

The women’s marathon made its Games debut in Los Angeles in 1984.

“Few events in sport carry the weight and resonance of the marathon; it is both a test of the very highest performance and a celebration of mass participation,” said Coe.

“This is an opportunity to create a dedicated global celebration of marathon running, held in a setting that honours its heritage while shaping a modern championship that reflects the scale and spirit of the global running community.”

World Athletics confirmed “the opening of formal exploratory discussions” for Athens to host the inaugural championships.

“This roadmap ensures the event meets the rigorous technical and operational standards required for the world’s most prestigious stage,” said World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon.

Agreement has also been reached with the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) to elevate the Athens Marathon, known as ‘The Authentic’, to Elite Label status.

Having achieved that status, Athens is targeting a Platinum Label -– the highest tier in road racing -– by 2029, placing it alongside the world’s most elite marathons.