Following last month’s decision to move the 2025 World Road Running Championships from San Diego, World Athletics has held discussions with several alternative hosts, some of which have great potential.

While some of these discussions will continue for other editions of the event, the World Athletics Council has decided not to award the Championships to an alternative host this year due to the lack of essential planning and preparation time required to accommodate both elite and mass participation race elements.

The focus instead will be on next year’s World Road Running Championships, which will be held in Copenhagen from 19-20 September 2026 and is shaping up to be a great event. Already, 100,000 people have shown interest in the 35,000 spots available for the half-marathon distance. For those still wanting to participate in the mile and 5km, please check out the event website.

The event was one Ethiopian athletes were expected to get results in and the cancellation will be a disappointment who were looking to make an impact.