World Athletics has announced a major revolution in the long-distance running calendar. Starting in 2030, the marathon will be removed from the general World Athletics Championships program in favor of a dedicated standalone championship, with the inaugural event planned for the historic city of Athens.
The End of an Era: What is Changing and When?
According to World Athletics, the global governing body is planning a fundamental restructuring of the road running schedule. The most significant change is the creation of the independent World Marathon Championships, set to debut in 2030. Traditionally, the marathon has been an integral part of the biennial World Athletics Championships; however, this new approach aims to highlight the prestige of the discipline as a standalone global phenomenon.
The transition timeline is already firmly established. The marathon will remain on the program for the 2027 and 2029 World Championships, allowing athletes and national federations time to adapt. However, from 2031 onward, the marathon and other road races will no longer be held during the main track and field world championships.
The new World Marathon Championships will take place annually, featuring a specific gender rotation. Men and women will compete for medals in an alternating system, maintaining the current frequency of the event’s appearance at stadium championships. Meanwhile, the federation confirmed that other competitions, such as the World Athletics Road Running Championships, will continue as a separate, annual event, ensuring a wide range of high-level racing opportunities.
Athens as the Potential Host and Cradle of the Sport
The choice of location for the inaugural championships is no coincidence. World Athletics has confirmed it has opened formal talks with Athens regarding the 2030 edition. Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, noted that the federation is excited to explore a return to the birthplace of the iconic discipline. According to Coe, the marathon is not just a test of elite performance but also a celebration of mass participation.
Jon Ridgeon, CEO of World Athletics, emphasized during a press conference in the Greek capital that Athens is the spiritual home of the marathon. The proposed roadmap aims to ensure the event meets the highest technical and operational standards required on the world stage. As part of this process, World Athletics and the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) have entered into a strategic partnership to elevate the Athens Marathon to the pinnacle of global road running.
The first step was awarding the “Athens Marathon. The Authentic” the Elite Label status. This distinction recognizes the race’s unique historical significance and its long-term potential. The partnership marks the start of a multi-year investment program to modernize the original Olympic route while preserving its 2,500-year-old heritage.
Platinum Label and a New Course: Greece’s Ambitious Plans
Modernization efforts are backed by the Attica Region, working closely with SEGAS. Sofia Sakorafa, President of SEGAS, announced that Athens aims to achieve Platinum Label status by 2029, placing the Greek race alongside the world’s most elite marathons. Supported by Governor Nikos Hardalias, these investments aim to transform the capital into a dynamic, world-class metropolitan destination.
Governor Hardalias confirmed that the Attica Region is allocating resources to upgrade the Authentic Marathon Route. The focus is on improving the quality, safety, and functionality of the course leading from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium. Officials stated that 2026 will serve as the first major milestone for this infrastructure transformation.
In preparation for its new role, the Athens Marathon is already aligning its operations with World Athletics standards. Changes include updated registration systems and expanded medical and safety services. These upgrades benefit both elite athletes and amateurs, ensuring a world-class experience for the entire global running community.
A New Era for the 26.2-Mile Distance
Moving the marathon to its own World Championships is a bold step toward the professionalization and popularization of long-distance running. The 2030 debut in historic Athens will bridge tradition with a modern approach to major event organization, creating a spectacle for the sport’s elite and the global community alike.
