World Athletics announces major changes to marathon championships from 2030
World Athletics has unveiled a major long-term plan aimed at reshaping the future of long-distance running by launching a dedicated World Marathon Championships starting in 2030.
Under this new structure, the marathon will still feature at the World Athletics Championships in 2027 and 2029. However, beginning in 2030, it will be separated into its own exclusive global competition.
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From 2031 onward, marathon races, and any other road running events, will no longer be included in the main World Championships programme.
New proposal
The newly proposed World Marathon Championships will be staged annually, with male and female athletes competing in alternating years, mirroring the current scheduling format. This initiative has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders who have contributed to the marathon’s global popularity, with further partnership details expected to be revealed soon. Meanwhile, the World Athletics Road Running Championships will continue as an independent yearly competition.
As part of these developments, discussions have officially begun to explore Athens as the host of the first edition in 2030. In addition, a strategic agreement between World Athletics and the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), alongside the Region of Attica, aims to elevate the Athens Marathon The Authentic to the highest level of international road racing.
The event has now earned Elite Label status, acknowledging both its historic significance and its future potential on the global calendar. This collaboration will also see a long-term investment programme focused on upgrading the historic Olympic route while preserving its rich 2,500-year legacy.
“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, announced on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
“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. 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,” Coe added.
Symbolic importance
Speaking at a press briefing in Athens, Jon Ridgeon emphasised the symbolic importance of the location.
“The marathon is one of the most universal events in sport, and Athens is its spiritual home,” he said. “Exploring the possibility of a future standalone World Marathon Championships here reflects our ambition to bring the sport’s greatest global showcase back to where it all began. This roadmap ensures the event meets the rigorous technical and operational standards required for the world’s most prestigious stage.”
Following its Elite Label recognition, Athens is now aiming to achieve Platinum Label status, the highest classification in road racing, by 2029, positioning it among the world’s premier marathon events.
In line with its upgraded status, this year’s Athens Marathon, scheduled for November 8, 2026, will also introduce a revised registration system aligned with World Athletics’ Elite standards, enhancing medical support, safety measures, and overall participant experience.
