World Athletics to launch standalone marathon championship from 2030

World Athletics plans to separate the marathon from the current World Athletics Championships format and introduce a standalone World Marathon Championships from 2030.

Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania (2nd L) and Amanal Petros (2nd R) of Germany cross the finish line during the men's marathon final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Song Yanhua)

The global governing body announced on Tuesday that the marathon will remain part of the World Athletics Championships in the 2027 and 2029 editions, but will move to its own standalone championships from 2030.

From 2031 onward, there will be no road running events at the World Athletics Championships. The World Marathon Championships will be held every year, with men's and women's races staged in alternate years. The World Athletics Road Running Championships, covering the one-mile, 5-kilometer and half-marathon distances, will continue as a separate annual event.

According to World Athletics, Athens has emerged as the preferred host for the inaugural edition of the World Marathon Championships in 2030.