World Athletics told member federations on Tuesday that the bidding process for three major championship has officially started.
The governing body will now accept proposals for its 2029 and 2028 road championships and 2029 cross country championships.
A major part of the factors to be seriously considered as a host city is to meet a number of logistical and infrastructure criteria that can support a major event — and be a location that embodies running culture. According to World Athletics, it seeks to bring these events to cities that have “strong appeal to recreational runners and spectators alike offers significant potential to drive participation, visibility and revenue, while strengthening the host’s international road running profile.”
That notion was evident at last week’s world cross county championships in Tallahassee were the first time since 1992 that that event was held in the United States. Two senior races, two junior races and a mixed relay formed a busy program that saw a mix of repeat champions, new stars step up to grab titles and an intricate course compete with distinct challenge areas.
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo win his third straight men’s senior title as Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich dominated her way to the women’s senior championship. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Marta Alemayo retained her women’s U20 crown and Frankline Kibet led a Kenyan sweep in the men’s junior race. Australia kicked off the day of events with a stunning win in the mixed relay on a strong anchor leg by Jessica Hull.
Up for grabs in the bidding process will be the prospect of hosting the 2028 and 2029 World Athletics Road Running Championships and the 2029 World Athletics Cross Country Championships.
All prospective member nations have been briefed on the timeline for their bids in a process that includes: an official launch and bid guide, pre-qualification submission, bid application initial submission, a form final submission with and award period that usually falls within two months of the last submission deadline.
For the 2028 and 2028 road running championships and 2029 cross country championships, the bid guide was shared in December 2025.
All three host cities will be notified and announced this December.
