WORLD Athletics are planning a huge shake-up to the calendar with a brand new standalone World Marathon Championships set to launch from 2030.
Athens has emerged as the leading contender to host the inaugural event, adding a historic backdrop to what is being billed as a landmark moment for the sport.
The marathon will remain part of the World Athletics Championships in 2027 and 2029 before breaking away into its own competition.
From 2030 onwards, the new event will run annually, with men and women competing in alternate years.
It marks a major shift for long-distance running, with organisers aiming to give the marathon its own global spotlight.
The existing Road Running Championships will continue separately on the calendar under the new plans.
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World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe hailed the proposal as a major opportunity for the sport.
He said the governing body was “delighted” to be exploring options with Athens to host the first edition.
Coe also described the marathon as an “iconic discipline” deserving of its own stage.
He added: “This is an opportunity to create a dedicated global celebration of marathon running.”
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“It will be held in a setting that honours its heritage while shaping a modern championship.”
The marathon has traditionally been part of the wider World Athletics Championships programme.
But from 2031 onwards, it will no longer feature at the biennial event.
That means the final World Championships marathon could take place in London if the capital wins its bid to host the 2029 edition.
The move signals a bold new era for marathon running, with Athens potentially at the heart of its next chapter.