The capital beat off competition from Doha to be crowned the host city of the event, due to take place at the Olympic Stadium.
The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, hailed the capital's success as a major milestone towards delivering the capital's legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The decision was taken at the International Association of Athletics Federation’s (IAAF) World Athletics Gala in Monaco this afternoon. It followed a final presentation to its members by London's bid team, including the mayor, sports minister Hugh Robertson MP, IAAF vice president and Locog chair Sebastian Coe and UK Athletics chair Ed Warner.
"Despite an excellent challenge from Doha, the London team put together a cracking bid which has paid off with this fantastic news today," said Johnson. "With the 2017 championships now in the diary next summer’s London Games is just the start of a long and active life for our magnificent stadium."
He added: "In addition to athletics it will host a variety of sports competitions including football as well as a range of other events from major concerts to community activities. I am absolutely thrilled for London."
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