Online Reporter
KICKING off in Tokyo and culminating in Canfranc, the 2025 athletics calendar promises intense rivalries, record-breaking feats from stars like Duplantis and Bol, and the rise of future legends.
The world’s gaze will be fixed on some of the sport’s most electrifying stages.
The year ahead is shaping up to be a pivotal one for athletics, packed with events that promise unforgettable moments.
From world championships to one-day meets and road races, the coming months will form a global celebration of speed, endurance, and talent.
Here’s a glimpse of 10 highlights from a calendar that fuses tradition, innovation, and competition.
Whether in stadiums, on mountain trails, or through bustling city streets, 2025 is set to showcase why athletics remains the king of sports.
With its thrilling blend of elite competition, innovation, and iconic venues, the 2025 athletics season is set to captivate fans and deliver moments that will be etched in memory. Indeed, a year where the spirit of human endeavour takes centre stage, inspiring the world once again
World Athletics Championships, Tokyo
From September 25 to 3 October 3, Tokyo will once again take centre stage as it hosts the World Athletics Championships. The iconic National Stadium, which dazzled during the 2021 Olympics, will finally be filled with fans, creating an electric atmosphere for over 2,000 athletes vying for 49 titles. Expect nothing less than a spectacle as competitors aim to etch their names into the annals of athletic history.
World Indoor Championships, Nanjing
The year kicks off in style with the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, running from March 21 to 23. Featuring 500 athletes from 120 countries, this edition will offer thrilling battles across 26 disciplines. With the bar set high following record-breaking performances in 2024 by stars like Femke Bol and Devynne Charlton, the indoor arena will be electric.
World Relays, Guangzhou
China returns to the spotlight in May, hosting the World Relays in Guangzhou on the 10th and 11th. As well as qualifying teams for Tokyo in the 4x100m and 4x400m, the event will debut a mixed 4x100m relay, promising high-octane drama and edge-of-your-seat excitement.
World Athletics Road Running Championships, San Diego
From September 26 to 28, San Diego will transform into a running carnival with events ranging from the mile to the half marathon. Combining elite competition with mass participation races, it’s a unique opportunity for everyday runners to share the stage with world-class athletes.
One-day meeting circuits
The Wanda Diamond League and World Athletics Continental Tour will play pivotal roles as athletes fine-tune their form for major championships. Complementing these will be dynamic competitions on the Cross Country Tour and Race Walking Tour.
Iconic marathons and road races
The celebrated World Marathon Majors—featuring Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo—will once again be highlights of the year. These events not only attract elite runners but also thousands of participants chasing personal triumphs.
World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, Canfranc
Nestled in the Pyrenees, Canfranc will host this prestigious event from September 25 to 28. A mecca for trail and mountain running enthusiasts, it promises a perfect blend of elite racing, cultural festivities, and breathtaking scenery.
Show-stopping rivalries
Rivalries fuel the spirit of athletics, and 2025 will see thrilling showdowns. Look out for Julien Alfred vs Sha’Carri Richardson in the 100m, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone vs. Femke Bol in the 400m hurdles, and Letsile Tebogo vs Noah Lyles in the sprints. The drama and intensity will be unmissable.
Record-breaking aspirations
In 2024, staggering 28 world records were shattered. As 2025 unfolds, athletes like Mondo Duplantis, Femke Bol, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will aim to push the boundaries even further, inspiring the next generation of stars.
The rise of future icons
Each year introduces fresh faces eager to challenge established stars. Young talents such as Mattia Furlani and Sembo Almayew, who dominated the U20 ranks, are poised to make their mark on the senior stage. Could 2025 be the year they break through? – Agencies
