Starting in 2030, the Marathon Will Have Its Own World Championship

The official website of World Athletics has revealed an important piece of news for athletics fans: starting in 2030, the marathon will have its own World Championship. This decision is part of a new strategy by the organization, which aims to increase the popularity and prestige of marathon competitions at the international level.

As part of this strategy, the marathon will remain included in the program of World Athletics Championships in 2027 and 2029; however, from 2030 onwards, a separate tournament dedicated exclusively to this discipline is planned. This will represent a significant advancement for marathon running, as it will gain the opportunity to compete on a distinct international stage.

The new World Championship for the marathon will take place annually, with competitions for men and women occurring alternately, in line with the existing format. The organization of the events will be carried out in close collaboration with key representatives of the global marathon community, ensuring a high level of event execution.

Furthermore, the World Road Running Championships will remain a separate annual event, allowing for diversity in the competition program. It is important to note that World Athletics has already begun official consultations regarding the hosting of the first-ever World Championship in Marathon in Athens in 2030. This city, which has become a symbol of marathon running, stands a good chance of becoming a new center for global sports.

In parallel with these initiatives, World Athletics has reached an agreement with the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) and the Attica region for a strategic partnership that will support and develop marathon events in Athens. The Athens Marathon, known as Athens Marathon The Authentic, has been awarded Elite Label status, which is the highest level of recognition among road races. Organizers plan to elevate this status to Platinum Label by 2029, allowing the marathon to be listed among the most prestigious in the world.

The partnership between World Athletics and local organizations also includes a multi-year investment program aimed at modernizing the Olympic course while preserving its historical heritage, which spans over 2,500 years. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe emphasized that the creation of a separate World Championship for the marathon presents a unique opportunity to establish a global event that combines high athletic performance with mass participation, while also highlighting the historical significance of Athens as the birthplace of the marathon.

World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon added that Athens is a symbolic location for such a format of competition, and the new project must meet the highest international standards. The next step in development will be the hosting of the marathon in Athens on November 8, 2026, which will serve as the first step toward transforming the event into a global competition of the highest caliber.

This announcement has generated significant interest among athletes and fans, as it promises new opportunities for the growth of marathon running and the enhancement of its popularity on the world stage.

Photo: facebook.com/WorldAthletics.

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