World Athletics has confirmed plans to introduce a standalone World Marathon Championships from 2030, marking a major shift in how the distance is positioned within the sport.
The marathon will remain part of the World Athletics Championships in 2027 and 2029, but will then move away from the main programme entirely. From 2031 onwards, it will no longer feature at those championships.
Instead, the new World Marathon Championships will take place annually, with men and women competing in alternate years.
Athens has already emerged as the leading candidate to host the first edition in 2030, with early discussions underway between organisers and local authorities. The from 2031 the marathon will not be contested at the World Championships.
Alongside that, the Athens Marathon has been upgraded to Elite Label status, placing it among the top tier of global road races. There is also a clear push to raise it further to Platinum level by 2029.
Plans are in place to invest in the course and overall race experience, with a focus on improving safety, organisation, and facilities while maintaining the historical significance of the original route.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described the move as an opportunity to give the marathon its own global stage, reflecting its unique place in the sport.
The first signs of this new direction are expected to be seen as early as 2026, as Athens begins aligning its race with Elite-level standards.