In a landmark move set to reshape long-distance running, World Athletics has announced that the marathon will get its own standalone World Championship starting in 2030. The decision marks a major shift from decades of tradition, where the marathon was part of the broader World Athletics Championships.
Marathon to Exit World Athletics Championships
The marathon has been a core event at the World Championships since 1983, but the way the sport operates today has prompted a rethink. Unlike track events held inside stadiums, marathons are conducted on city roads, involving complex logistics and large-scale planning.
They also include thousands of participants beyond the elite field, making them fundamentally different from track races. Recognising this, World Athletics has decided to separate the marathon from the championships format.
The event will remain part of the World Championships in 2027 and 2029 before moving to a standalone competition in 2030. From 2031 onwards, the marathon will no longer feature in the World Athletics Championships.
New Annual Championship Format
The newly introduced World Marathon Championships will follow an annual format, aligning more closely with the global marathon calendar. Instead of being held once every two years, the event will now take place every year.
Men’s and women’s races will alternate annually, ensuring that each category still competes for a world title every two years. This also helps maintain a consistent yearly presence for the championship.
The model reflects how elite marathon running already functions, with top athletes competing across major events such as the Boston Marathon, London Marathon, and Berlin Marathon. Details regarding qualification and participation are yet to be officially announced by World Athletics.
Athens Set to Host First Edition
Athens has been identified as the preferred host for the inaugural 2030 edition, with discussions currently underway. The choice carries strong historical significance, as the marathon traces its origins to the legend of Pheidippides, who is believed to have run from Marathon to Athens in 490 BCE to deliver news of victory.
Today, Athens hosts one of the most historically significant marathon routes in the world, making it a fitting location to launch the new global championship. Its established marathon culture and global recognition further strengthen its case as the inaugural host.
Why This Move Is Significant
Sebastian Coe has said the change reflects how marathon running already operates at the elite level. Unlike track events, where athletes compete multiple times within a championship window, marathon runners typically plan their season around one or two peak races due to the physical demands of the distance.
A standalone championship fits this model by creating a clearly defined global title race without forcing athletes to adjust to a condensed championship schedule. It also solves a long-standing operational challenge—marathons require separate city routes, extensive road closures, and different broadcast setups, which are difficult to integrate within a stadium-focused event like the World Athletics Championships.
What Happens to Other Road Events?
Other road races will continue under the World Athletics Road Running Championships, which already functions independently of the main championships. These events are structured to include both elite races and large-scale public participation.
Distances such as the 5km and half marathon are logistically easier to manage within a single event window and are better suited to this combined format. In contrast, the marathon requires longer road closures, more medical and hydration support, and extended race durations, making it less practical to include alongside multiple events. This operational difference is a key reason for separating the marathon into its own championship.
A Defining Moment for Marathon Running
The move signals a shift in how World Athletics is structuring its global competitions. Instead of keeping all disciplines under one championship, events are being organised based on their specific demands and formats.
For the marathon, this means moving from being one event within a broader programme to a standalone competition with its own calendar space. The first edition is scheduled for 2030, with Athens in advanced discussions to host, marking the start of a new structure for elite marathon racing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The marathon differs significantly from track events in format, logistics, and audience. A standalone championship allows it to grow independently and gain more focused global attention.
The inaugural edition is scheduled for 2030, with Athens currently the preferred host city.
The most recognised elite marathons globally are the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with a few historic races. The top 7 commonly listed are the Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, New York City Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, and the Paris Marathon.
