World Athletics took a key step in planning its future calendar by announcing the official launch of the bidding process for the out-of-stadium events of the World Athletics Series for the 2028–2029 cycle. The initiative opens the door for cities and member federations to aspire to become hosts of competitions that, in recent years, have gained strategic importance within international athletics due to their proximity to the public and their strong urban impact.

The process includes the 2028 World Athletics Road Running Championships, the 2029 World Athletics Road Running Championships and the 2029 World Athletics Cross Country Championships, and follows prior communication with national federations, which were informed of the upcoming bidding process before the end of the year. Through this, World Athletics aims to ensure transparent and forward-looking planning, aligned with the sustained growth of out-of-stadium disciplines.

The global consolidation of road running

The World Athletics Road Running Championships have quickly established themselves as one of the most accessible and dynamic events on the global calendar. In their current one-day format, they bring together around 350 elite athletes from approximately 55 countries, competing in the half marathon and 5 km road races, alongside highly popular mass participation events that connect directly with the local community.

Each edition transforms the host city into a true global hub for road running. Beyond elite-level competition, the championships offer organising federations a platform to capitalise on the growing interest in running, generating international visibility, new revenue streams and a tangible boost to participation, while positioning the host city as a reference point for urban athletics.

The strategic value of cross country and territory

The World Athletics Cross Country Championships continue to represent the pinnacle of off-road running at international level. Designed to highlight the identity and landscape of the host location, the event features technically demanding courses that integrate natural and urban terrain, giving each edition a unique character. Held over a single day, the championships attract around 550 athletes from approximately 52 countries, with opportunities to include memorable mass participation races.

At a time when global interest in endurance and trail running continues to grow, the championships offer host cities a powerful platform to promote active tourism and forge long-term strategic partnerships. Bid guides, including accommodation requirements and impact data from previous editions, are now available on the World Athletics website, along with the full bidding timelines. The deadline to submit pre-qualification forms is 3 April 2026, marking the start of a race in which planning, territory and long-term vision will be decisive.