The Indian Cultural Association (ICA) has officially revealed plans for the third installment of the ICA International Marathon, which is set to occur on December 13, 2026, at Galle Face Green in Colombo. This event aims to unite runners, fitness enthusiasts, corporate teams, and participants from around the globe for a certified road-running experience that merges athletic ambition with community spirit.
Following the success of earlier editions, the upcoming marathon will include the 21.1KM Half-Marathon, a 10KM Challengers Run, and a 5KM Family Run. All courses will be measured and certified in accordance with the World Athletics International Measurement Programme, in collaboration with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). This endorsement ensures that participants can trust they are racing on accurately measured courses and enhances Colombo’s status within the regional running circuit.
The marathon will offer prizes for top finishers in the 21.1KM, 10KM, and 5KM categories, adding a competitive edge to the event while remaining inclusive for recreational runners and newcomers. The official event T-shirt for 2026, designed by the Sri Lankan activewear brand Carnage, will be revealed during a press conference, contributing a local flair to the marathon experience.
Captain Anirban Banerjee, President of the ICA, expressed, “This certification signifies a significant achievement for running in Sri Lanka. The ICA International Marathon is not merely about completing the race; it serves as a platform to elevate athletic standards, promote sports tourism, and create a positive impact in our communities through initiatives for clean water and organ donation.”
The marathon is backed by the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, and the High Commission of India, underscoring the event’s contribution to fostering healthy lifestyles, international sports culture, and interpersonal connections.
H.E. Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, praised the ICA for successfully hosting two previous editions of the International Half Marathon. He noted, “The involvement of people from various backgrounds in both past events has been remarkable. Your commitment to donating proceeds to enhance the lives of 16,000 children in Sri Lankan orphanages is commendable. I wish the team great success in this year’s event and am pleased to support such initiatives.”
Ravi Liyanage, Director and CEO of Janashakthi Life, commented on their role as Title Sponsor for the second consecutive year, stating, “At Janashakthi Life, we strive to forge meaningful connections within our communities. Our ongoing partnership with the ICA International Half Marathon Colombo 2026 as Title Sponsor signifies our dedication to promoting active and healthier lifestyles while providing positive experiences for the broader community. We are honored to be associated with this prominent event, which celebrates participation, perseverance, and unity.”
In addition to its sporting aspect, the ICA International Marathon emphasizes a strong social mission. Proceeds from the previous marathon contributed to a nationwide clean water initiative, facilitating the acquisition of 54 Reverse Osmosis water filtration systems for underprivileged schools and orphanages in Sri Lanka. These systems aim to ensure access to safe drinking water, with technicians overseeing their installation for effective implementation and lasting reliability.
The marathon will also continue its organ donation awareness campaign for the third year in a row. With the consent of participants, runners will receive donor cards included in their race kits, promoting greater public awareness and support for vital health initiatives.
Early Bird registration is currently available until August 31, 2026. Runners, corporate teams, and international participants are encouraged to sign up at www.icainternationalmarathon.com.
