The Indian Cultural Association (ICA) has announced the third edition of the ICA International Marathon, which is scheduled to take place on 13 December 2026 at Galle Face Green in Colombo. The event is expected to bring together local and international runners, fitness enthusiasts, corporate teams and recreational participants for a professionally certified road-running experience.

The 2026 marathon will feature three race categories: a 21.1-kilometre Half-Marathon, a 10-kilometre Challengers Run and a 5-kilometre 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). This certification provides participants with internationally measured race courses while further strengthening Colombo’s position on the regional running calendar.

Prizes will be awarded to leading finishers across all three categories, maintaining the event’s competitive character while ensuring that the marathon remains accessible to recreational runners and first-time participants. The official 2026 event T-shirt, designed by Sri Lankan activewear brand Carnage, was also unveiled at the launch.

ICA President Captain Anirban Banerjee described the international certification as a significant milestone for Sri Lankan athletics. He highlighted that the marathon aims not only to promote higher sporting standards but also to support sports tourism and contribute to community-focused initiatives, including clean water access and organ donation awareness.

The event has received support from the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Tourism and the High Commission of India, reflecting its broader role in encouraging healthy lifestyles, international sporting engagement and stronger people-to-people connections.

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, commended ICA for successfully organising the previous two editions and praised the participation they attracted from Sri Lanka and overseas. He also highlighted the organisers’ commitment to using event proceeds to support approximately 16,000 children living in orphanages across Sri Lanka.

Janashakthi Life, serving as Title Sponsor for the second consecutive year, has reaffirmed its commitment to the event. Director/Chief Executive Officer Ravi Liyanage said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to encouraging active and healthy lifestyles, community engagement and positive experiences for Sri Lankans.

Beyond its sporting objectives, the ICA International Marathon continues to maintain a strong social impact focus. Proceeds from the previous edition supported a nationwide clean-water initiative, which included the procurement of 54 Reverse Osmosis water filtration units for underprivileged schools and orphanages throughout Sri Lanka.

The marathon will also continue its organ donation awareness campaign for the third consecutive year. With participants’ consent, donor cards will be included in race kits to encourage greater awareness of organ donation and its potential to save lives.

Early Bird registration is open until 31 August 2026, with runners, corporate teams and international participants able to register through the official ICA International Marathon website.