World Athletics has confirmed that the 2027 World Athletics Championships will take place in Beijing, China, from September 10 to 19, bringing the global athletics competition back to the Chinese capital after 12 years.

The 21st edition of the championships is expected to feature more than 2,000 athletes representing approximately 200 member federations, with 10 days of competition scheduled at the iconic National Stadium, popularly known as the Bird’s Nest.

The venue previously hosted the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2015 World Athletics Championships, making Beijing the first Chinese city to stage the global competition twice.

Competition dates adjusted

The revised dates followed a request from the local organising committee, which was approved by World Athletics.

The championships were initially scheduled to run from September 11 to 19, 2027, but the opening date has now been moved forward by one day to September 10, extending the competition programme to 10 days.

The adjustment will allow the opening ceremony to hold on September 10 alongside the first competition session. Evening sessions are also scheduled throughout the 10-day event.

Detailed timetable still under development

World Athletics said the detailed competition timetable is still being developed in consultation with the local organising committee.

The schedule will be communicated to the public after it has been approved by the World Athletics Council.

The 2027 championships will mark the return of athletics’ biggest global outdoor competition to Beijing, 12 years after the city hosted the 2015 edition.

The event is expected to bring together leading athletes from across the world to compete for global titles in one of the sport’s major international competitions.