World Athletics Announce Major Shake-Up for Marathon Running with New Global Championship Plan

World Athletics has announced a significant restructuring of its event calendar, revealing plans to introduce a standalone World Marathon Championships starting in 2030.

This move aims to create a dedicated global showcase for one of the sport's most iconic disciplines. The marathon will continue to be part of the World Athletics Championships for the 2027 and 2029 editions.

However, from 2030, it will transition to its own championship event. Subsequently, from 2031, the marathon and other road running events will no longer be included in the main World Athletics Championships program.

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The new World Marathon Championships will be held annually, with men's and women's races taking place in alternate years, maintaining the same frequency as the current championship schedule. The separate World Athletics Road Running Championships will also continue as an annual event.

In a nod to the event's historical roots, World Athletics has initiated formal discussions with Athens to host the inaugural championships in 2030.

As part of this strategic vision, World Athletics and the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), supported by the Region of Attica, have formed a partnership to elevate the "Athens Marathon. The Authentic."

The historic race has already been granted Elite Label status, and a multi-year investment program is underway to modernise the original Olympic course while preserving its 2,500-year heritage.

The ultimate goal is to achieve Platinum Label status, the highest tier in road racing, by 2029, placing it among the world's most prestigious marathons. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed his enthusiasm for the new direction.

"We are delighted to be exploring the possibility of a standalone World Marathon Championships with Athens, the place where this iconic discipline was born," he said.

"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 CEO Jon Ridgeon echoed these sentiments during a press conference in Athens. "The marathon is one of the most universal events in sport, and Athens is its spiritual home," he stated.

"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."

Local officials have embraced the initiative, viewing it as a chance to cement Athens' status as the global capital of marathon running.

"Today, we invite the world to join us on a journey. This is more than a race; it is a commitment to excellence," said SEGAS President Sofia Sakorafa.

"We are investing in the future of every runner who steps onto the road from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium, ensuring they receive a world-class experience that honours the legend of this course."

Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias highlighted the collaborative effort behind the bid. "Today’s announcement reflects the systematic and targeted effort we have made over recent months," he said.

"We are proceeding, using resources from the Region of Attica, with the redevelopment and modernisation of the Authentic Marathon Route, investing in its quality, safety, functionality, and international recognition."

Nikos Hardalias has affirmed a clear commitment to re-establishing the Attica region not just as the historic origin of the marathon, but as its modern global capital.

In its push to become a premier international event, the Athens Marathon is overhauling its registration process to meet the stringent Elite standards set by World Athletics.

This strategic investment will fund enhanced medical provisions, safety protocols, and overall services for all participants. The next edition of the marathon is scheduled for November 8.