The Colombo Marathon 2026 has reached a pivotal achievement for athletics in Sri Lanka, as it gains recognition from World Athletics and is officially listed as a World Rankings Competition on the World Athletics Global Calendar. This event is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Scheduled for 13 September 2026, the marathon will commence at 6:00 a.m. on Baladaksha Mawatha. It anticipates the participation of over 4,000 athletes, both local and international, competing in four distinct categories: the Full Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km Road Race, and 5 km Fun Run.
This official recognition elevates the marathon’s status to that of an international competition, allowing performances in the event to contribute to the World Athletics World Rankings, contingent upon meeting specific criteria. For local athletes, this presents a unique opportunity to compete in a globally recognized event right at home, while also attracting international athletes seeking to participate in a sanctioned race.
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As preparations intensify, the focus is on ensuring that the event meets the standards expected of a World Rankings Competition. A significant aspect of the preparation involves the precise technical management and measurement of the course. The organizers are collaborating with international experts and local officials to ensure that all arrangements align with the requirements associated with its World Athletics designation.
To facilitate the event, over 100 certified officials from Sri Lanka Athletics will be involved in its execution. The preparations also engage the Department of Sports Development, Sri Lanka Athletics, and the Institute of Sports Medicine. Their technical efforts encompass course measurement, officiating, athlete safety, medical readiness, and operations on race day, all aimed at achieving the high standards necessitated by the event’s international status.
Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, expressed, “Being recognized as a World Rankings Competition and included on the World Athletics Global Calendar is a significant milestone for Sri Lankan athletics. It allows our athletes to compete on home ground at a globally recognized event, while placing Colombo firmly on the international road-running map.”
This recognition also enhances the Colombo Marathon’s ability to draw international participants, supporting Colombo’s broader aspirations as a sports tourism destination, and enabling Sri Lankan athletes to compete in a recognized environment without the need to travel abroad.
As the event approaches, the emphasis is on converting the recognition from the World Athletics Global Calendar into a race that is both technically proficient and professionally organized, with Colombo poised to host athletes from near and far.
The Colombo Marathon 2026 is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. The event is presented by Union Assurance, powered by Elephant House, and supported by Nations Trust Bank and City of Dreams Sri Lanka. Additionally, Rupavahini serves as the Official Media Partner, DC Group acts as the Creative Partner, Nestomalt is the Energized Partner, and IPG Group is the Sports Innovation Partner.
For registration and inquiries, visit www.colombomarathon.lk or contact Mr. Jayalal Rathnasooriya at +94 71 812 8900 or Mr. Thushara Perera at +94 71 837 5993. Alternatively, you can email colombomarathon@gmail.com. Note that registration will close on 1 September 2026.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
