A sweeping overhaul of the global athletics calendar could soon redefine the marathon’s place on the sport’s biggest stage, with World Athletics preparing to introduce a standalone World Marathon Championships from 2030, an initiative that may begin in Athens, widely regarded as the birthplace of the event.
The marathon, long one of the most anticipated races at the World Athletics Championships, will remain part of the multi-sport program in 2027 and 2029. From 2030, however, it will break away into its own dedicated annual championship. Beginning in 2031, both the marathon and other road running events will no longer feature in the flagship biennial championships.
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Under the new structure, the World Marathon Championships will be held every year, with men’s and women’s races taking place in alternate years, while maintaining the existing cadence of major global competitions. A separate World Athletics Road Running Championships will also continue annually as part of the broader restructuring plan.
Central to this vision is a strategic collaboration between World Athletics and Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), alongside the Region of Attica, to elevate the historic “Athens Marathon. The Authentic.” The race, already granted Elite Label status, is undergoing a multi-year development program aimed at modernizing the iconic Olympic route without compromising its 2,500-year heritage.
Organizers have set an ambitious target: achieving Platinum Label status – the highest classification in global road racing – by 2029. Such recognition would place the Athens Marathon among the most prestigious events worldwide, reinforcing its symbolic and competitive importance.
‘We are delighted’
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe underlined the significance of the proposal, linking the sport’s future to its origins.
“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 honors its heritage while shaping a modern championship that reflects the scale and spirit of the global running community.”
While the restructuring signals a new era, it also marks the end of a long-standing tradition. The marathon has historically been a centrepiece of the World Athletics Championships but will no longer be contested within the biennial event from 2031 onwards. The final edition under the current format could be held in London if the city is successful in its bid to host the championships in the coming years.
Local authorities in Greece have welcomed the initiative as a defining moment for the region. SEGAS President Sofia Sakorafa described the project as both symbolic and forward-looking.
“Today, we invite the world to join us on a journey. This is more than a race; it is a commitment to excellence,” she said.
“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 honors the legend of this course.”
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Nikos Hardalias, Governor of Attica, highlighted the coordinated effort behind the bid and the broader ambition to reposition the region on the global athletics map.
“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 modernization of the Authentic Marathon Route, investing in its quality, safety, functionality, and international recognition,” Nikos added.
