2026 registrations now open
Colombo at first light.
Third edition. Four races, from the certified 21.1KM to a new 2KM Fun Run. 2,700+ runners from 35+ countries were on the line last year.
World Athletics certified courseRunners from South Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond. More than a race: a celebration of health, community, diversity and international camaraderie.
01The races
Every finisher gets a medal and an eCertificate. Prize money is equal for women and men, top 10 in each certified race.
Half-Marathon · Certified
Serious runners, PB chasers and the elite field. Ages 18+.
Challengers Run · Certified
Runners ready for more than a 5KM. Ages 18+.
Family Run · Certified
Families, friends and casual runners. Ages 12+.
Fun Run · Introduced in 2026
Children, first-timers and walkers. Ages 6+; under-12s with a parent or guardian.
Every entry includes
Measured to the metre
21.1KM, 10KM and 5KM measured and certified under the World Athletics International Measurement Programme, in cooperation with AIMS.
02Not sure?
Four kinds of runner, four races. Which one are you?
First race, or 5KM feels like a stretch
Your race
5KM Family Run
A friendly first race with a chip time. Run it, walk some of it, and finish with a medal as the city wakes up. Ages 12+.
I run most weeks
Your race
10KM Challengers Run
The step up. You already run 5KM comfortably and want a distance that tests you. Measured, certified and timed. Ages 18+.
I train for times and places
Your race
21.1KM Half-Marathon
The flagship distance on a certified course. Start in the dark, finish in the sun. Rs. 4.05Mn prize pool. Ages 18+.
Running with kids or walkers
Your race
2KM Fun Run
Not every run needs a clock. Kids, first-timers and walkers, together. Ages 6+; under-12s with a parent or guardian.
03Our objectives
The primary objective of ICA Sri Lanka is to bring runners from across the world to Colombo to run for a cause that supports lives.
Objective 01
Half marathons have gained incredible popularity worldwide. They bring people from all walks of life together for regular physical activity, and put fitness, a healthy lifestyle and well-being first.
It is probably the only sport thousands of people can take part in together and still finish within 3 to 4 hours. The ICA International Half-Marathon is open to all ages and abilities.
Objective 02
Every marathon is run for a cause, and ours is to encourage organ donation.
We believe the people on this start line can bring about timely change and promote the importance of organ donation.
Objective 03
ICA Sri Lanka has supported, and continues to support, 10,600 less-fortunate children living in 367 orphanages in Sri Lanka.
10,600 children. 367 orphanages. 54 water filters.
Objective 04
Come for the race. Stay for the island. Within a few hours of the finish line, Sri Lanka changes completely.
Climb Sigiriya at dawn and walk the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa in the Cultural Triangle. Pay your respects at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, then take the slow train through the tea country of Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Look for leopards in Yala and herds of elephants in Udawalawe.
December is peak season on the south and west coasts, so finish your trip in the old streets of Galle Fort or on the beaches of Mirissa, Unawatuna and Bentota. For many visitors from India, the Ramayana Trail adds another layer, with sites linked to Lord Ram and Sita Devi across the island.
Objective 05
Every participant is appreciated with a medal and a certificate duly endorsed by supporting organisations. The top 10 finishers of each race, male and female, are substantially rewarded with cash prizes.
04Organiser
The Indian Cultural Association (ICA) Sri Lanka is an eight-year-old registered non-profit organisation in Sri Lanka. In 2018, a group of Indian expatriates came together with a shared vision. Driven by a deep sense of cultural identity and a desire to preserve and celebrate their heritage, they founded the ICA to promote Indian culture and traditions in their new homeland.
Over the years, the association has grown into a vibrant community that organises cultural events, festivals and charity programmes, serving as a bridge between India and the diverse communities of Sri Lanka.
05The course
Start and finish at Galle Face Green. The route runs along Marine Drive and Galle Road, with the coastline beside you as the sun comes up.
Flat. Fast.
Coastal.
Certified almost flat, with a net drop on every measured course. The 21.1KM falls just 0.18 m per km from start to finish.
The Half-Marathon (21.0975KM), 10KM and 5KM courses are officially measured and certified under the World Athletics International Measurement Programme in cooperation with AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races).
Route map and elevation profile: to be announced soon.
Route map and elevation profile: to be announced soon.
Route map and elevation profile: to be announced soon.
Route map and elevation profile: to be announced soon.
06Recognition & prize money
Rs. 5,700,000
Awarded equally across male and female divisions in the Half-Marathon, Challengers Run and Family Run. The top 10 finishers in each race, men and women, are rewarded. Every participant receives a medal and a certificate endorsed by supporting organisations. The 2KM Fun Run is non-competitive.
07Race week
Five stops between you and the medal.
Collect
Venue to be announced soon
Collection venue, dates and times will be shared on this website, by email and on the WhatsApp channel.
05:00
Reporting at Galle Face Green, 05:00 (GMT+5:30)
Zumba warm-up at 05:15, then into your start pen.
06:00
Start gun at Galle Face Green, 06:00 (GMT+5:30)
Start times for each distance will be shared with the route maps.
07:00
07:00 to 09:00, for the 2KM, 5KM, 10KM and 21.1KM.
18:00
Prize distribution for the top 3, followed by the gala dinner.
Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
08International runner hub
Runners came from 35+ countries last year. Sort these before you land.
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling. Apply only on the official ETA site.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is north of the city. Taxis and app rides use the airport expressway; allow about an hour.
Warm and humid, with highs near 30°C and lows near 22°C. You start in the cool before sunrise (about 06:15), so drink often and ease your pace.
The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Cards work in hotels and malls; carry cash for taxis and small shops. ATMs are at the airport.
Tourist SIMs with data are sold in the arrivals hall. Race-week updates go out on the official WhatsApp channel.
Stay wherever suits you best. If you would like to be steps from the start line, our official hospitality partner is the Galle Face Hotel, on Galle Face Green. Then make a trip of it: see Sri Lanka.
09Runner’s guide
Everything for race morning, in the order you will need it.
Downloadable plans for 21.1KM, 10KM and 5KM, and a 2KM family guide. [CONFIRM: plan PDFs]
Pacer groups [CONFIRM: target times]
Start waves and corrals [CONFIRM: wave plan]
Bag drop at Galle Face Green. [CONFIRM: location, opening time and rules]
Every runner agrees to the Medical Declaration & Liability Waiver at registration. Medical support details will be announced with the route maps. [CONFIRM: 2026 medical arrangements]
Wear your own BIB: swapping or exchanging BIB numbers is strictly prohibited. Follow the designated route and officials’ instructions. The event takes place rain or shine. Terms & conditions
10Highlights
Photos and race films from the 2025 and 2024 editions.
Find yourself in the full 2025 gallery.
View all 2025 photos
2025HighlightsRelive race morning on Galle Face Green, from the start gun to the finish. Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
2024HighlightsThe best moments from the first edition in Colombo. Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)In their words
What 2025 runners told us.
“I have run marathons around the world: Singapore, Bangkok, Colombo. The organising of the ICA Half Marathon was the best.”
Vignaraj 21.1KM“Honestly, the best run I have ever taken part in. The pictures, medal, certificate, mid-run nutrition, post-run meals. All perfect.”
Rahul 10KM“One of the most well-organised events I have taken part in recently. Kudos to the team behind it.”
Prabash 21.1KM“Best sports event I have participated in, in my entire life.”
Tharindu 10KM“Extremely well organised, with great volunteers along the way encouraging us. I look forward to next year again.”
Dharshi 21.1KM“This was a perfectly executed race. Well done to the organisers.”
Chamal 21.1KM“My first half marathon, and the organising committee did a massive job. Hats off, everyone!”
Nimna 21.1KM“Well organised, well coordinated and truly enjoyable, with excellent support throughout the event.”
Wishwa 10KM“I loved it, and I really liked the way it was organised. Looking forward to next year already!”
Nidushan 5KM“Well organised, had a wonderful experience!”
Aasif 5KM“By far, this is the best running event in Sri Lanka.”
Yasith 5KM“This was my first time running, ever. I was in a state of panic at the start, then kept moving with the crowd and made it to the end. An amazing experience.”
Koreena 5KM“Super organised event! The athletes were well taken care of along the course. Nutrition and hydration at the aid stations were immensely appreciated.”
Thinuri 10KM“It felt like I won the Olympics. You made us feel that. One of my best achievements of 2025.”
Adeline 5KM“The route was really nice: no incline, lots of shade, beautiful surroundings. We enjoyed it so much.”
Luis 21.1KM“Your team and the processes in place were seamless. Kudos to the entire team.”
Glenn 5KM“Amazing event, very well organised. Cannot wait for the next one.”
Kisal 21.1KM“So proud of the work and the organisation. The energy of the runners, all great.”
Sharmila 10KM“Extremely well organised. Kudos to you guys.”
Dhanushka 21.1KM“I think it was managed really well. Loved it.”
Louisa 5KMFrom 104 responses to the official 2025 runner feedback form.
11Partners
Thank you to every partner who puts runners on the start line.
Title Sponsor
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Want your brand on the start line?
Become a sponsorRegistration is online. Go to Registration 2026, choose your race, fill in the form in English and pay. Each runner receives their BIB number by email, so check every address carefully.
An event jersey, an electronic-chipped bib, a finisher medal, an eCertificate and breakfast at the venue.
18 and over for the 21.1KM Half-Marathon and 10KM Challengers Run. 12 and over for the 5KM Family Run. 6 and over for the 2KM Fun Run, with under-12s taking part alongside a parent or guardian.
No. Registrations are non-transferable, and switching or exchanging BIB numbers is strictly prohibited.
Registration fees are non-refundable, including no-shows. If the event is cancelled due to force majeure, fees are refunded after deducting banking charges.
Yes. The event takes place rain or shine. The organisers may cancel or postpone only in case of force majeure, and will tell every runner by email and on this website.
13Sunday 13 December 2026 · Galle Face Green
Pick your distance: 21.1KM, 10KM, 5KM or 2KM. We’ll see you on Galle Face Green as the sun comes up.
Direct
+94 76 54 92 856
Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 9–4
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