Kipchoge Leads Global Push for Nairobi's 2029 Worlds Bid

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge stepped onto the global stage on July 2, 2026, delivering a heartfelt appeal through a virtual media briefing with international track and field journalists, urging the global athletics community to back Nairobi's bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. If successful, the award would make African soil the stage for the sport's most prestigious competition for the very first time.

A Champion Speaks from the Heart

"Kenya has given so much to this sport," Kipchoge said during the briefing. "It is time for the world to come to Kenya, to come to Africa, and experience what we do and who we are."

Government Backing at the Highest Level

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei and Nairobi Bid Committee Chairman Ibrahim Hussein convened to review the campaign's progress ahead of the deciding vote.

The Race Against London

Nairobi faces formidable competition in London, one of the most accomplished sports-hosting cities in the world. The winning city is expected to be announced at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest.