West Ham urged to show 'heart and soul' for London's 2029 World Athletics bid

The Stalemate Over West Ham's Stadium

The head of the London Marathon has urged West Ham to show more “heart and soul” amid fears they could scupper Britain’s chances of hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

The Impact of West Ham's Refusal

While London’s bid is seen as the favourite, it has hit a major stumbling block with West Ham refusing to give up their stadium for around two weeks in September 2029 because the football season will be under way.

The Financial and Sporting Implications

The situation is further complicated by West Ham facing relegation and the departure of the club’s vice chair, Karren Brady. Hugh Brasher, who is part of the London 2029 bid team, admitted that if West Ham goes down to the Championship, it would have an impact on the bid.

A Call for Support

“Football is an interesting, very tribal, sport,” said Brasher. “Money talks. But sometimes people look at their heart, they look at their soul, and that’s the purpose.” He then cited the words of his father, Chris Brasher, when he came up with the idea of the London Marathon in an Observer article nearly 50 years ago.

The Road Ahead

“My father’s final words in the article in 1979 said: ‘London had the course, but did it have the heart and the soul to welcome the world?’ I would ask West Ham, do they have the heart and the soul to open the stadium?’” Brasher said that he expected talks with West Ham to take place in June.

The Competition for the Championships

Rome, Munich, Nairobi, as well as an Indian city, are also in contention for the Championships. Final submissions from bidding cities are required by early August, with a decision made in September.