Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

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 at ten 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 25 September to 3 October, 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 21 to 23 March. 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 26 to 28 September, 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, ensuring a variety-packed year of action.

Iconic marathons and road races set featured image

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 25 to 28 September. 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.