Inaugural Colombo Marathon 2026 to be held on September 13

The inaugural Colombo Marathon 2026 will be held in Colombo on September 13 from 5.30 a.m., Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage said.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Department of Sports Development are jointly organizing the event. Gamage was addressing a special media briefing held today (11) at the Government Information Department.

The minister said the marathon is being organized with the aim of promoting Colombo as a globally recognized city, attracting tourists and further promoting sports.

The event will be conducted in four categories: a 42-kilometre full marathon, a 21-kilometre half marathon, a 10-kilometre run and a 5-kilometre Fun Run.

More than 5,000 participants have registered, including 140 foreign runners from 25 countries, Gamage said. He added that prizes worth approximately Rs. 12.8 million will be awarded to winners.

The event is being supported by Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and City of Dreams.

The minister further said all participants are required to submit medical fitness reports, while there is no age restriction for participation. Schoolchildren will also be permitted to take part in the 5-kilometre Fun Run.