ICA International Marathon 2026 targets 4,000 runners as program spend nears Rs. 50 m

Thursday, 20 August 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Michelle Alles

The Indian Cultural Association is targeting more than 4,000 participants for the ICA International Marathon 2026 in December, with program expenditure expected to rise from around Rs. 40 million in 2025 to close to Rs. 50 million this year.

The third edition of the marathon, scheduled for 13 December at Galle Face Green, will feature a 21.1 km Half-Marathon, 10 km Challengers Run and 5 km Family Run. All three courses have been measured and certified under the World Athletics International Measurement Program in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

Participation increased to 2,062 runners in 2025 from 1,400 previously, with the 5 km category recording the strongest growth and female participation rising by 249%. ICA President Captain Anirban Banerjee said the organisers expect international participants to account for around 30% of this year’s field, which could bring about 1,200 international visitors to Sri Lanka.

“ICA is a non-profit organisation, so the funds raised for the marathon are spent on the event and its related initiatives,” Banerjee told the Daily FT. He said ICA was working closely with the Ministry of Tourism to position the marathon as a sports-tourism event.

ICA’s 2025 data showed that 39% of the marathon’s website traffic originated internationally, while international runners accounted for 15.9% of total participation. Banerjee said greater international participation would generate wider economic activity beyond the event itself. “When foreign participants come in, it generates revenue for hotels, transport, airlines and through airport taxes. So it has a big impact,” he said.

The event will also continue its social initiatives, with 54 reverse-osmosis water filtration units procured from proceeds of the previous edition for installation at underprivileged schools and orphanages across Sri Lanka. The organ-donation awareness campaign will return for the third consecutive year, with participants receiving donor cards with their race kits, subject to consent.

Janashakthi Life returns as Title Sponsor for the second consecutive year. Janashakthi Life Director/CEO Ravi Liyanage said the partnership reflects the company’s focus on community engagement, healthy lifestyles, resilience, endurance and competitiveness. He said the expected 1,200 international visitors could also create wider goodwill for Sri Lanka when they return to their respective countries.

The top men’s and women’s 21.1 km winners will each receive Rs. 1 million, with prizes also awarded across the 10 km and 5 km categories. Banerjee said total prize money awarded across the event’s categories over the past three years had reached Rs. 5.7 million.

The marathon is supported by the Sports Ministry, Tourism Ministry and the High Commission of India. The event is powered by Carnage and Colombo West International Terminal.

The 2026 official event T-shirt, designed by Sri Lankan active wear brand Carnage, will be unveiled at the press conference, adding a strong local identity to the race experience.

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

- Pix by Ruwan Walpola