Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya shine at Colombo Marathon

The Colombo Marathon 2026 concluded successfully today (September 13) at Galle Face Green in Colombo, attracting more than 5,000 local and international runners.

The international event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Department of Sports Development, featured more than 130 international athletes representing 25 countries.

A total prize fund of more than Rs. 12.8 million was awarded to winners across several race categories.

Uganda’s Julius Ugandan Ochieng won the men’s 42km Full Marathon, completing the race in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 54 seconds. He received the top prize of Rs. 1.7 million.

Kenya’s Geoffrey Birgen finished second in 2:20:43, while Ethiopia’s Negasi Tuji Korme placed third with a time of 2:21:50.

Ethiopian runners dominated the women’s 42km Full Marathon. Aynalem Kasahun Teferi secured first place in 2:54:09 and won Rs. 1.7 million. Gete Guta Galato finished second in 2:54:48, followed by Genzeb Shumi Regasa in 2:55:20.

In the men’s 21km Half Marathon, Kenya’s Edwin Yebei Kiptoo took first place with a time of 1:10:28 and received Rs. 500,000. Sri Lanka’s W.M.S. Sarathkumara finished second in 1:10:52, while Kenya’s Bomer Kiptoo Evans placed third in 1:10:53.

Sri Lankan athletes dominated the women’s 21km event. Wijesuriya Arachchilage Methmi Rosata won first place in 1:17:50, followed by H.M.C.S. Herath (Chamini) in 1:26:14. Kenya’s Jackline Jeptanui finished third in 1:26:41.

Sri Lankan runners also secured all three podium places in both the men’s and women’s 10km races.

Mahendran Gobinathan won the men’s 10km in 32:16, followed by R.M. Samantha Pushpakumara in 33:04 and Senanayake D.P.S.S. in 33:06.

In the women’s 10km, P.G.S.S. Wimalasooriya took first place in 39:08. Oshadini Fonseka finished second in 39:27, while K.M. Shashikala placed third in 42:17.

The event brought together athletes from Sri Lanka and overseas, adding another major international sporting event to Colombo’s calendar and providing a platform for local runners to compete alongside international athletes.