World Athletics plans to launch a standalone World Marathon Championship starting in 2030. The marathon will remain part of the World Championships in 2027 and 2029, but from 2030 it will have its own championship event.
Beginning in 2031, the marathon will no longer be contested at the World Championships. The new championship will be held annually, with men and women competing alternately each year.
World Athletics has begun discussions with Athens to host the inaugural event. "We are delighted to be exploring the possibility of a standalone World Marathon Championships with Athens, the place where this iconic discipline was born," said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.
The annual Road Running Championships will continue independently under the new calendar structure.