World Athletics plans to launch a standalone World Marathon Championships from 2030, with Athens in Greece potentially hosting the inaugural event.

The marathon will remain part of the World Athletics Championships in 2027 and 2029 but will then have its own annual championship, with men and women competing in alternate years, from 2030.

The annual Road Running Championships will continue as a separate event on the calendar under the new proposals.

Lord Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, said the sport's governing body was "delighted" to be exploring options with Athens and called the marathon an "iconic discipline".

He added: "This is an opportunity to create a dedicated global celebration of marathon running, held in a setting that honours its heritage while shaping a modern championship that reflects the scale and spirit of the global running community."

The marathon has traditionally taken place during the wider World Athletics Championships but will not be contested at the biennial competition from 2031.

The last iteration of the event could be held in London if the city is successful with its bid to host the championships in three years' time.