More than 5,000 athletes and runners are expected to participate in the Colombo Marathon 2026, which will take place on September 13 at Galle Face Green as part of the 50th National Sports Festival.

Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Department of Sports Development, the international event has already recorded 1,200 registrations for its main competitive races. This includes 405 athletes for the 42KM Full Marathon, 398 for the 21KM Half Marathon and 389 for the 10KM race.

More than 4,000 additional participants are expected to take part in the 5KM Fun Run, making this year’s marathon one of the largest editions in the event’s history.

The competition has also attracted significant international participation, with 130 runners from 25 countries expected to compete alongside Sri Lankan athletes. Elite runners from Kenya and Ethiopia are among the international participants, adding further competitive interest to the event.

The race routes have been finalized. The Full Marathon will complete two rounds beginning at Galle Face Green and passing through Kollupitiya, Marine Drive and Dehiwala. The Half Marathon will cover the same route for one round, while the 10KM race will travel towards Bambalapitiya before returning.

The 5KM Fun Run will follow a shorter route around Kollupitiya Junction, passing landmarks including Liberty Cinema and the Presidential Secretariat.

With thousands of local and international participants expected in Colombo, the event is also likely to create increased activity for hotels, restaurants, transport services and other businesses in the city. International sporting events of this scale can provide an additional opportunity to showcase Colombo to visiting athletes and spectators.

BIB numbers and T-shirts for the main races will be distributed on September 12 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo 07.

For the 5KM Fun Run, registration and kit collection will take place on September 13 from 4:00 AM to 5:30 AM at the Baladaksha Mawatha entrance of Galle Face Green.

Participants collecting their race kits must present a NIC, passport or driving licence, together with a Medical Fitness Certificate issued within four weeks before the competition.