The Colombo Marathon 2026 has achieved a significant milestone for Sri Lankan athletics after its application was validated by World Athletics and the event was registered on the World Athletics Global Calendar as a World Rankings Competition.
Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the marathon will be held on September 13, 2026, starting at 6.00 a.m. from Baladaksha Mawatha. More than 4,000 local and international participants are expected to compete across four categories the Full Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km Road Race and 5 km Fun Run.
The recognition means performances at the Colombo Marathon will be eligible to contribute towards the official World Athletics World Rankings, subject to the applicable requirements.
The development provides Sri Lankan athletes with an opportunity to compete in a globally recognised ranking event on home soil, while also attracting international athletes to Colombo.
More than 100 qualified officials from Sri Lanka Athletics will support the event, with preparations involving the Department of Sports Development, Sri Lanka Athletics and the Institute of Sports Medicine.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage said the recognition was a significant milestone for Sri Lankan athletics and would place Colombo on the international road-running map.
The event is also expected to strengthen Colombo’s potential as a sports tourism destination and provide Sri Lankan athletes with access to a recognised international competitive environment without having to travel overseas.
The Colombo Marathon 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. Union Assurance is the presenting partner, while Elephant House is the powering partner. Nations Trust Bank and City of Dreams Sri Lanka are supporting partners, with Rupavahini as the Official Media Partner, DC Group as the Creative Partner, Nestomalt as the Energised Partner and IPG Group as the Sports Innovation Partner.
