From global endurance sport to long-term city transformation, Colombo steps into the spotlight as South Asia’s Active Capital.
The Official Launch of IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo – Presented by Port City Colombo was held today at Shangri-La Colombo, the Host Hotel, bringing together government leaders, city authorities, event partners, media, and private sector stakeholders to mark the return of Sri Lanka’s premier endurance event and the start of a larger city transformation initiative under #ActiveColombo.
From 19–22 February 2026, IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo will anchor #ActiveColombo Week, bringing together athletes, supporters, and the community for a city-wide celebration of sport, activity, and urban vitality.
- KAYA Colombo – Active Lifestyle & International Expo: 19–21 February. Showcasing Sri Lanka along the themes of Move, Create and Celebrate.
- IRONKIDS Colombo: for children aged 3–14, including parents – 21 February. An inspiring international event celebrating an active outdoor lifestyle.
- IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo (Swim | Bike | Run) – World’s Leading International Triathlon: 22 February, at Port City Colombo, the Official Venue Partner.
Global Endurance Event with Local Impact
More than a world-class triathlon, IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo is a proven commercial, tourism, and destination-branding platform for Sri Lanka. The event is expected to welcome nearly 1,000 athletes from over 49 countries, many visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, generating high-value visitor traffic, international media reach, and measurable economic impact across hospitality, aviation, transport, retail, and experiences.
As part of the globally recognised IRONMAN® circuit, Colombo now sits alongside iconic host cities such as Sydney, Nice, and Muscat, reinforcing its status as South Asia’s emerging endurance sports hub.
“IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo embodies the spirit of resilience and excellence,” said Rajan Thananayagam, Director of Serendib Multisport (Pvt) Ltd. “This event puts Sri Lanka on the world stage and showcases Colombo as a welcoming, vibrant destination that athletes and their families will cherish.”
IRONMAN continues to set the global benchmark for the USD 707.29 billion active sports tourism market. The average participant who travels with family spends over five days and is expected to spend 2.5 times the current average spend. IRONMAN will play a catalytic role in Colombo’s effort to attract a high-spending market, not just to extend stays but also to lure investment and MICE tourism.
#ActiveColombo – A City-Wide Transformation
Inspired by the global stature and city-wide impact of IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo, the Western Provincial Council and Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) officially launched #ActiveColombo, a long-term initiative to position Colombo as South Asia’s leading Active City.
“We are excited to support #ActiveColombo as it champions improved health, urban vitality, and inclusive public spaces,” said Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Western Province. “Through this programme, we aim to inspire a more active generation while strengthening Colombo’s appeal as a globally competitive capital.”
“Colombo’s hosting of IRONMAN® 70.3 and the launch of #ActiveColombo symbolise a shared vision of inclusive growth,” said Her Worship Vraîe Cally Balthazaar, Mayor of Colombo. “We welcome athletes and supporters with pride and look forward to shaping a city that moves, nurtures health, and thrives on global collaboration. I’m further excited to support the initiative by the organisers to create roadside tree cover to build shade as an inspiration for movement in the city.”
Why #ActiveColombo Matters
Across the world, cities that invest in active lifestyles see measurable benefits:
- 10–20% reductions in long-term healthcare costs
- Improved mental health and social cohesion
- Safer, more vibrant streets and public spaces
- Attraction of high-value visitors who spend up to 2.5 times more than average tourists
#ActiveColombo provides Colombo with a unified civic narrative:
Colombo is becoming a city that moves.
Urban Activation Pillars
The initiative will focus on activating everyday city spaces through:
- Parks & Public Spaces – walking, yoga, play activities and community activity
- Lakes & Waterfronts – safe, well-lit walking loops and public events
- Ocean & Beaches – beach walks, safe swim zones and sunrise activity culture
- Cleanliness & Waste – event-grade cleanliness as an everyday standard
- Safety – active environments creating safer communities
- Air Quality & Green Buffers – walkable, breathable urban corridors
A signature policy underpinning the initiative is:
“Every Active Street is a Shaded Street.”: Shade the Road Initiative
With IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo as a global anchor and #ActiveColombo as a long-term framework, Colombo is positioning itself as a healthier city for its citizens, a more attractive destination for high-value visitors, a credible host for global sporting and lifestyle events, and South Asia’s Active Capital.
A Platform for Collaboration
“Event-driven sport tourism has the power to elevate Sri Lanka’s global profile,” said Yasas Hewage, Director of Serendib Multisport and Bike/Run Course Director of IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo. “This event is about far more than athletic performance. It is about destination branding for the city of Colombo, and a platform for storytelling, economic impact, inclusion, and inspiration for the #ActiveColombo movement.”
IRONMAN® 70.3 Colombo is organised by Serendib Multisport, with Port City Colombo as the Presenting & Venue Partner, Shangri-La Colombo as the Host Hotel, Walkers Tours as the Travel Partner, Rexona as the Confidence Partner, Asiri Health as the Medical Partner, Hatch as the Workspace Partner, Spinner as the Mechanical Partner, Vita Coco as the Refreshment Partner, Carnage as the Activewear Partner, OLU Tropical Water as the Water Partner, Kotmale as Title Sponsor for IRONKIDS, Rotaract as the Volunteer Partner, Mastercard as the Digital Payment Partner, Scope Cinemas as the Cinema Partner, Ride Real Energy as the Energy Drink Partner, Bellevue as the After Party Partner, and Unived as the Hydration and Nutrition Partner.
Stay updated on the race and follow athlete news:
Facebook: facebook.com/IRONMANColombo
Instagram: instagram.com/ironman70.3colombo
Website: www.serendibmultisport.com
For further information, media accreditation or interview requests:
Contact Melanie Senanayake | +94 77 371 7960