The World Academy for Endurance Medicine was founded in July 2022 as a joint venture between the World Athletics Health & Science Department and the International Institute for Race Medicine (IIRM).

In 2019, these organisations came together as educational partners to provide knowledge and skill development for healthcare professionals caring for athlete wellness and safety at mass-participation endurance events. This collaboration effectively combined the directive of the Health & Science Department to be the guarantor of good health and well-being of those who practice athletics and the IIRM’s mission to serve the road racing community as an educational resource and medical leader. With the launch of the new academy, the IIRM relinquished its organisational status.

The World Academy for Endurance Medicine aims to build on the former partnership by becoming a global leader in endurance and race emergency medicine. Education is provided through eLearning, in-person conferences, specialised training programs for medical directors of World Athletics Label Road Races, and membership program.