Hugh Brasher, head of the London Marathon and part of the London 2029 World Athletics Championships bid team, has called on West Ham United to demonstrate more 'heart and soul' amid concerns the club could derail the capital's hosting hopes. The bid, considered the frontrunner, faces a major obstacle as West Ham has refused to vacate the London Stadium for approximately two weeks in September 2029 due to the football season.
Speaking to the media, Brasher acknowledged the complexity of the situation, compounded by West Ham's potential relegation and the departure of vice-chair Karren Brady. 'Football is an interesting, very tribal, sport. Money talks. But sometimes people look at their heart, they look at their soul, and that's the purpose,' he said.
Brasher invoked his father Chris's words from a 1979 Observer article that conceived the London Marathon: 'London had the course, but did it have the heart and the soul to welcome the world?' He then posed a similar question to West Ham. Brasher expressed hope that talks with the club in June could yield a solution, though he conceded relegation to the Championship would add further complications due to more fixtures.
Other contenders for the 2029 championships include Rome, Munich, Nairobi, and an Indian city. Final bids are due by early August, with a decision expected in September. Brasher remains optimistic, citing support from the government, the mayor, the public, and athletes, and stressed the importance of the Olympic stadium's legacy. 'I really, really hope and believe there is a way through,' he added.
