The Indian Cultural Association (ICA) today announced the launch of the third edition of the ICA International Marathon, scheduled to take place on 13 December 2026 at Galle Face Green, Colombo. The event is set to bring together runners, fitness communities, corporate teams, and international participants for a certified road-running experience that combines athletic ambition with a sense of community purpose.

Building on the momentum of previous editions, the 2026 marathon will feature the 21.1KM Half-Marathon, the 10KM Challengers Run and the 5KM Family Run, with courses measured and certified under the World Athletics International Measurement Programme in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). This certification gives participants confidence that they are competing on internationally measured courses and strengthens Colombo’s positioning on the regional running calendar.

The event will also award prizes to the top finishers across the 21.1km, 10 km, and 5km race categories, reinforcing the competitive appeal of the marathon while keeping the wider event open and welcoming for recreational runners and first-time participants. The 2026 official event T-shirt, designed by Sri Lankan activewear brand Carnage, will be unveiled at the press conference, adding a strong local identity to the race experience.

“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 role in promoting healthy living, international sports culture and people-to-people engagement.

H.E. Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, commenting on the marathon, said, “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.”

Commenting on Janashakthi Life’s role as Title Sponsor for the second consecutive year, Ravi Liyanage, Director/Chief Executive Officer, said, “At Janashakthi Life, we believe in creating meaningful connections with the communities we serve. Our continued partnership with the ICA International Half Marathon Colombo 2026 as Title Sponsor reflects our commitment to supporting platforms that bring people together, promote active and healthier lifestyles, and create positive experiences for the wider community. We are proud to once again be associated with this high-profile event, strengthening our connection with Sri Lankans through a platform that celebrates participation, perseverance and the spirit of coming together.

Beyond the sporting platform, the ICA International Marathon continues to carry a strong social purpose. Proceeds from the previous edition supported an islandwide clean water initiative, including the procurement of 54 Reverse Osmosis water filtration units for underprivileged schools and orphanages across Sri Lanka. The units are intended to support access to safe drinking water, with supplier technicians overseeing installation to ensure proper implementation and long-term reliability.

The marathon will also continue its organ donation awareness campaign for the third consecutive year. With participant consent, runners will receive donor cards with their race kits, encouraging greater public awareness and support for life-saving health initiatives.

Early Bird registration is open until 31 August 2026. Runners, corporate teams and international participants can register at www.icainternationalmarathon.com.