Sri Lanka's premier international city marathon has been officially launched, scheduled for September 13, 2026, with registration now open for over 4,000 expected participants across five race categories.
The Colombo Marathon 2026 was unveiled yesterday under the banner "A Step for Peace and Humanity," positioning the event as a significant addition to Sri Lanka's international sporting calendar. Scheduled for September 13, organisers anticipate attracting more than 4,000 participants from both domestic and international backgrounds, reflecting the event's ambitions to establish itself as a premier city marathon.
The marathon will accommodate diverse participant levels through five distinct categories: the Full Marathon covering 42.195 kilometres, a Half Marathon of 21.097 kilometres, a 10 kilometre road race, a 5 kilometre fun run, and a children's mini run. Registration is currently available through the official website at www.colombomarathon.lk, with additional information obtainable through designated contact persons Thushara Perera and Jayalal Ratnasooriya.
The event is jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. Union Assurance serves as the primary sponsor, with Elephant House as the powered-by partner and support from multiple entities including Nations Trust Bank, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, and Nestomalt. Speaking at the launch ceremony held at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage characterised the marathon as a milestone in establishing Sri Lanka's international sports credentials, noting it would create opportunities for athletes and position the country as capable of hosting world-class events. Senior representatives from hospitality and retail sectors similarly highlighted the marathon's potential to strengthen Colombo's global city profile and enhance Sri Lanka's soft power internationally.
