Marathon will remain part of the world athletics championships in 2027 and 2029. However, from 2030, it will be organized as a separate event. Starting in 2031, marathons and other long-distance running events will no longer be part of the world athletics championships.

World Athletics announces it will host a standalone world marathon championship from 2030.

The World Marathon Championship will be an annual event. Men and women will compete in alternate years, mirroring the frequency of current marathon championships. This competition is being developed in collaboration with those who have made marathon running a global phenomenon. Partner details will be announced in coming months.

The World Athletics Road Running Championships will continue to be held separately each year.

World Athletics has not yet officially confirmed Athens as the venue for the first marathon championship, but discussions have begun with the historic city.

Sebastian Coe, World Athletics President, stated: "We are excited to explore the possibility of hosting a standalone world marathon championship in Athens – the birthplace of this iconic sport. Marathon running is both the ultimate high-performance challenge and a mass participation festival. This is an opportunity to create a global celebration dedicated to marathon running, honoring its heritage while reflecting the spirit of the global running community."

The Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) has organized the Athens Marathon since 1983. In collaboration with World Athletics, SEGAS plans to modernize the race route and elevate the event to global standards. The Athens Marathon achieved Gold Label status in 2010 and aims for Platinum Label – the highest level for world road running events – from 2029.

Legend Eliud Kipchoge finishes first for the fifth time at the Berlin Marathon 2023. Photo: AP

The Athens Marathon 2026, scheduled for 8/11, will implement World Athletics' elite standards, while upgrading medical services, safety, and athlete support. If it achieves Platinum Label status, Athens will join London, Berlin, and Tokyo among the world's leading marathon races.

In recent years, the global marathon scene has expanded. In 2024, Sydney joined the list of Marathon World Majors. The Cape Town Marathon is currently undergoing evaluation to become the 8th major event, while the Shanghai Marathon will have its final assessment in 12/2026.

Hong Duy (according to Canadian Running Magazine, World Athletics)