Sri Lanka will host the eighth edition of Raid Amazones, a prestigious women-only adventure competition, from November 2-10, 2026, in Kalutara. The event is expected to attract over 250 international athletes and generate significant global media attention.
Sri Lanka is set to welcome Raid Amazones, one of the world's premier women-only adventure challenges, for an eighth time this November. The event will take place in the coastal Kalutara district from November 2-10, bringing together more than 250 international competitors alongside organizers, media representatives, and support personnel. According to event organizers, the competition combines athletic challenge with cultural exploration, offering participants opportunities to engage with local communities while testing their endurance and teamwork.
The island has emerged as a favored destination for hosting this prestigious event, having successfully staged seven previous editions since 2004. The most recent events occurred in 2023, with two additional sessions held in 2022. According to tourism stakeholders, these competitions have played a significant role in promoting Sri Lanka's landscapes, cultural heritage, and tourism appeal to global audiences. The 2019 edition held particular significance as one of the first major international sporting events hosted post-conflict, helping signal the country's readiness to welcome international visitors.
Raid Amazones, founded in 2001 by French media personality Alexandre Debanne, has generated substantial promotional value for host destinations. Organizers report that previous editions produced over 300 international media features across television, print, and digital platforms. The 2026 edition will showcase Kalutara's varied terrain, including beaches, rivers, wetlands, forests, and rubber plantations. The event is being delivered through a partnership between Raid Amazones, SriLankan Airlines, and Connaissance De Ceylan, with support from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
