The Greek city of Athens is striving to host the inaugural Marathon World Championship in 2030, with the International Association of Athletics Federations announcing the commencement of official negotiations with the city. This event is seen as a milestone in the history of the marathon, which has its origins in ancient Greece.
The marathon race is set to continue as part of the World Athletics Championships in 2027 and 2029, but starting in 2030, it will become an independent event held annually. Races will alternate between men and women each year, reflecting the federation's commitment to promoting equality in sports.
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The President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, Sebastian Coe, expressed his excitement about the possibility of hosting an independent world championship for the marathon in Athens, noting that the city is where this iconic sport was born. The marathon race dates back to ancient Greece, where the men's race was first included in the modern Olympic Games in 1896, while the women's race made its debut in Los Angeles in 1984.
In a related context, the International Association of Athletics Federations confirmed the start of official discussions with Athens, aiming to ensure that the event meets the technical and operational standards required for the highest global platforms. An agreement has also been reached with the Hellenic Athletics Federation to elevate the classification of the