The Indian Cultural Association (ICA) has announced the third edition of the ICA International Marathon, scheduled to take place on 13 December 2026 at Galle Face Green, Colombo. The event will bring together runners, fitness enthusiasts, corporate teams and international participants for a certified road-running experience that combines competitive sport with community engagement.
Building on the success of previous editions, the 2026 marathon will feature three race categories — the 21.1KM Half-Marathon, 10KM Challengers Run and 5KM Family Run. The courses have been measured and certified under the World Athletics International Measurement Programme, in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
The international certification provides participants with confidence that they are competing on accurately measured courses while further strengthening Colombo’s position on the regional running calendar.
Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers across all three race categories, adding a competitive dimension to the event while ensuring it remains accessible to recreational runners, families and first-time participants.
The official 2026 event T-shirt, designed by Sri Lankan activewear brand Carnage, will also be unveiled at the press conference, adding a distinct local identity to this year’s marathon.
“This certification marks a major milestone for running in Sri Lanka,” said Captain Anirban Banerjee, President of the ICA. “The ICA International Marathon is about more than crossing the finish line. It is a platform to raise athletic standards, support sports tourism and make a meaningful difference in our communities through clean water and organ donation initiatives.”
The 2026 marathon is supported by the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Tourism and the High Commission of India, highlighting the event’s wider role in promoting healthy living, international sports culture and people-to-people connections.
H.E. Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, congratulated the ICA on the successful organisation of its previous editions and welcomed the continued growth of the event.
“I congratulate ICA for successfully organising two editions of the International Half Marathon in the last two years. The participation of people from all walks of life in Sri Lanka and outside in the previous two editions was excellent. Your decision to donate proceeds from the event to uplift the lives of 16,000 children living in orphanages in Sri Lanka is laudable. I extend my best wishes to the team to put on an excellent show this year as well. I wish ICA all the very best in the above endeavours and am happy to associate with such activities,” he said.