Why is London bidding to host the 2017 World Athletics Championships?

This bid sees Lord Coe, supported by our 2017 coalition (see below), honour the promises made to the IAAF during the 2012 Olympic bid. A long-term legacy in London for world athletics was in the DNA of London 2012 under Lord Coe’s vision. A World Athletics Championships in the Olympic Stadium in London in 2012 realises that vision.

The UK and London are proven hosts of international mega-sports events and we now believe we are ready to deliver the greatest-ever World Championships for the athletics family. London is ready to break records; on the track and in the field of the iconic Olympic stadium and in the commercial and TV arena too.



Who is behind the London bid?

The bid is being led by Lord Sebastian Coe and UK Athletics as the British federation. It is being delivered in close partnership with the British Government, Mayor of London, UK Sport and London and Partners.

For the first time ever, this incredibly powerful coalition have come together, united by a single ambition; to host the greatest ever IAAF World Championships in Athletics in London in 2017.



Why will London 2017 be ready to break records?

By 2014, the UK can offer the IAAF unprecedented expertise and experience in hosting the world’s greatest track and field events. Within three years, the UK will host the 2012 Olympic Games, 2013 European Team Championships and 2014 Commonwealth Games. That expertise will underpin the 2017 experience, giving the athletes the best possible opportunity to challenge world records in our Olympic Stadium.

A full stadium, iconic venue and world-class athletes will maximise TV viewers and maximise commercial revenues for the sport globally.



Why is it so important that the event comes to London in 2017?

The IAAF and the athletics family have been unwavering in their support of an Olympic legacy and played a crucial role in securing it. This is our opportunity to thank them for that constant support by delivering the greatest ever IAAF World Championships in London and placing it at the heart of a living legacy.

UKA is a loyal and committed partner of the IAAF and we are proud of the role we have played in supporting the IAAF in sustaining its position at the forefront of world sport

More importantly perhaps, it is for the fans of the sport. 1.9million fans applied for athletics tickets to the London 2012 Games. The appetite for world-class athletics is huge in the UK.

London 2017 will deliver an iconic venue, full of passionate and knowledgeable fans who will support every athlete competing. Every nation within the IAAF family is represented in London’s cosmopolitan population, so London will be a home from home in every sense.