17th March 2016

London 2017 Milestones Marked In Iaaf Site Visits

17 March 2016

With 18 months to go until the IAAF World Athletics Championships in London, delegates from the IAAF completed a series of successful site visits, which confirmed a number of key delivery milestones had been achieved and that operational planning for the event is on schedule.  

The biggest sporting event in the UK of 2017, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will host back-to-back championships with the IPC Athletics World Championships taking place 14-23 July followed by the IAAF World Athletics Championships between the 4-13 August.

The IAAF Technical Delegates assessment culminated at yesterday’s IAAF meeting at which London 2017 presented to the full council.

Niels de Vos, Chief Executive of UK Athletics said: “The Council was very reassured by our presentation and the endorsement of progress given by their own Technical Delegates who have been working with us these past months.

“Next summer promises to be one of the biggest sporting spectacles since London 2012. We have an experienced team, many of whom were central to the success of 2012 and we can be confident that they will deliver a hugely successful championships.” 

An innovative timetable was also approved with four morning sessions, which will help ensure full attendance at the sessions in the Stadium during the 10 days of track and field in Stratford, while new and enhanced warm up areas and training venues were all contractually confirmed.

To capture the landmarks made famous by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the courses for the marathon and race walks will be held in the centre of the capital giving the races a unique backdrop with spectators at the heart of the event held on the streets of London.

Cherry Alexander, Managing Director for London 2017 said: “We are delighted by the progress that we have made ahead of next year’s championships and as an organisation we have every confidence that we’re going to deliver an unforgettable summer of athletics.

“Everyone has fond memories of London 2012 and five years on we will be looking to bring back that magic to the capital utilising many of the landmarks, which created those special moments during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”