World Athletics Launches Road Running Department — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
World Athletics created a department for road running, led by Jakob Larsen. The move aims to enhance road races and mass participation. Larsen, previously in charge of Denmark’s athletics, joined World Athletics in 2020.
Over 320 road races hold a World Athletics label, paying fees for anti-doping and drug tests. Larsen’s team oversees marathons, cross-country, and other running events. The department also manages commercial deals and race support. Read more culture coverage.
World Athletics plans to host a separate marathon world championship from 2030, with Athens in talks to host the first edition. The marathon will remain part of the World Athletics Championships until 2029. Related: Harry Styles' Marathon Plans Remain Uncertain Ahead of NYC Marathon.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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Questions about this report
What should runners know about World Athletics Launches Road Running Department?
New department focuses on road races and mass participation. World Athletics created a department for road running, led by Jakob Larsen. The move aims to enhance road races and mass participation. Larsen, previously in charge of Denmark’s athletics, joined World Athletics in 2020.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 29, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated October 29, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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