More than 5,000 athletes are set to take part in the Colombo Marathon 2026, scheduled for September 13 at Galle Face Green, coinciding with the 50th National Sports Festival.

Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Department of Sports Development, the international competition has already attracted 1,200 registered athletes for the main events: 405 for the Full Marathon (42KM), 398 for the Half Marathon (21KM), and 389 for the 10KM race. 

In addition, over 4,000 runners are expected in the 5KM Fun Run, making this year’s event one of the largest in its history.

The marathon has drawn strong international interest, with 130 foreign competitors from 25 countries, including elite runners from Kenya and Ethiopia, joining Sri Lankan athletes on the starting line.

Route plans have been finalized: the Full Marathon will cover two rounds from Galle Face Green through Kollupitiya, Marine Drive, and Dehiwala; the Half Marathon follows the same course for one round; the 10KM race runs up to Bambalapitiya before looping back; and the 5KM Fun Run will circle Kollupitiya junction and pass landmarks such as Liberty Cinema and the Presidential Secretariat.

BIB numbers and T‑shirts for the main events will be issued on September 12 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Racecourse Grounds, Colombo 07. For the Fun Run, registration and kit collection will take place on September 13 between 4:00 AM and 5:30 AM at the Baladaksha Mawatha entrance of Galle Face Green.

All participants must present their NIC, Passport, or Driving License, along with a Medical Fitness Certificate obtained within four weeks prior to the competition, to collect their kits. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Marathon- 2026 will take place on September 13 at the Galle Face Grounds, coinciding with the 50th National Sports Festival.

Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Department of Sports Development, and other relevant institutions, the international marathon is aimed at promoting both sports culture and tourism.

The competition will feature a full marathon, half marathon, 10 km run, and a 5 km Fun Run, with a large turnout of national and international runners expected to participate.

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports presented details of the event to the Cabinet, including the implementation plan, the prize money to be awarded to winners, and the routes for the races. 

The Cabinet formally took note of these arrangements. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Marathon 2026 was officially launched yesterday under the theme “A Step for Peace and Humanity”, positioning itself as Sri Lanka’s premier international city marathon. 

The event will take place on September 13, 2026, bringing together more than 4,000 local and international participants.

The marathon will feature five race categories: Full Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21.097 km), 10 km Road Race, 5 km Fun Run, and a Mini Run for children.

Registration has already begun, with race details and updates available at www.colombomarathon.lk. For further information, participants can contact Thushara Perera (077 253 5354) or Jayalal Ratnasooriya (071 812 8900).

The event is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, with Union Assurance as the main sponsor and Elephant House as Powered By partner. Supporting partners include Nations Trust Bank, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Nestomalt (Energised Partner), DC Group (Creative Partner), IPG Group (Sports Innovation Partner), and Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (Official Media Partner).

The launch ceremony at City of Dreams Sri Lanka was attended by government officials, sponsors, partners, and media. 

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage said the marathon marks a milestone in Sri Lanka’s bid to strengthen its presence in the international sports arena. “It will create new opportunities for athletes, encourage youth participation, and introduce Sri Lanka as a destination capable of hosting world‑class sporting events,” he noted.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Senior Vice President Kamal Munasinghe described the marathon as an opportunity to add a new dimension to Colombo’s festival and international event culture, while John Keells Holdings Senior Vice President Diliep Mudadenia emphasized that world‑class events are vital to building Colombo’s global city brand and strengthening Sri Lanka’s soft power. (Newswire)

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