World Athletics has validated the Colombo Marathon 2026 application and registered the event on its Global Calendar as a World Rankings Competition, the organisers said.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organising the Colombo Marathon, which will be held on 13 September 2026 on Baladaksha Mawatha with a 6:00 a.m. start. Organisers expect more than 4,000 runners from Sri Lanka and abroad across four categories: full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), 10 km and 5 km fun run.
With the World Athletics registration, performances at the race can contribute to the World Athletics World Rankings if the event meets the federation’s requirements. That includes certified course measurement, approved technical officiating and the race operating under the competition rules set by World Athletics.
Organisers said technical planning has moved to practical steps: measuring the course to international standards, appointing certified officials, and putting in place medical and safety arrangements. International measurement specialists will work with Sri Lankan officials to certify the course and to ensure timing and officiating meet the requirements for ranking points.
More than 100 qualified officials from Sri Lanka Athletics will be involved, and the Department of Sports Development, Sri Lanka Athletics and the Institute of Sports Medicine are handling medical coverage and race day operations. The technical checklist cited by organisers covers course measurement, officiating, athlete safety, medical preparedness and logistics for race day.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Gamage said the World Athletics registration allows Sri Lankan athletes to earn ranking points at home and may help attract more international entrants to Colombo.
Organisers said the goal is to deliver a technically sound, professionally managed race that meets the conditions required by World Athletics and to provide a recognised competition for both domestic and visiting athletes.
Colombo Marathon 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports together with the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. The event is presented by Union Assurance, powered by Elephant House, supported by Nations Trust Bank and City of Dreams Sri Lanka, with Lakbima News as the Official Media Partner, DC Group as the Creative Partner, Nestomalt as the Energised Partner and IPG Group as the Sports Innovation Partner.
