The LSR Colombo Marathon, one of Sri Lanka’s longest-established international sporting events and a major initiative promoting the island as a destination for recreational activities and sports tourism, successfully celebrated its 20th edition on Sunday, October 4, 2026, attracting more than 1,400 participants from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Organized by Lanka Sportreizen (LSR), the annual marathon was established with the vision of showcasing Sri Lanka beyond its traditional image as a sun-and-sand holiday destination and highlighting the country’s potential as a destination for active holidays, recreational activities and sports tourism.
The 2026 edition brought together athletes from 33 countries, including approximately 150 international runners, creating another significant chapter in the event’s long history.
From Galle Dutch Fort to an International Marathon
The history of the LSR Colombo Marathon dates back to 1998, when the inaugural edition was held at the historic Galle Dutch Fort.
The first event attracted 28 foreign runners and 328 Sri Lankan participants, marking the beginning of what would eventually become one of Sri Lanka’s most established international road-running events.
Over the years, the marathon travelled through several major destinations across the country, including Galle, Negombo, Kandy, Dambulla and Colombo, gradually increasing its popularity among both local and international runners.
In 2004, the event was renamed the LSR Colombo Marathon, following the convention of internationally recognized city marathons.
The event has also received recognition from the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and has formed part of the international long-distance running calendar.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the marathon has provided Sri Lankan athletes with an opportunity to compete alongside runners from different countries while helping to promote distance running among the country’s youth and schoolchildren.
Growth and Revival of the Event
The popularity of the LSR Marathon increased significantly over the years, with participation reaching nearly 8,500 runners in 2017.
However, following the 2018 edition, the event was unable to take place from 2019 onwards due to the difficult circumstances prevailing in the country.
As conditions gradually returned to normal and Sri Lanka’s tourism industry began its recovery, LSR revived the marathon in 2025, successfully staging its 19th edition in October of that year.
The successful return of the event paved the way for the milestone 20th edition in 2026.
20th Edition Attracts More Than 1,400 Participants
The 2026 LSR Colombo Marathon was initially expected to attract approximately 1,000 participants representing 33 countries, including around 150 international runners.
However, the event ultimately recorded more than 1,400 participants, highlighting the continued popularity of long-distance running and the growing appeal of the marathon among both Sri Lankan and international participants.
The 2026 event featured four main categories:
- Full Marathon – 42.195 km
- Half Marathon – 21.097 km
- 10 km Fun Run
- 5 km Fun Run
The Full and Half Marathons included Open and Veteran categories for both men and women, while the 10 km and 5 km events were open to participants of all backgrounds.
Marathon Route Takes Runners from Colombo to Negombo
The Full Marathon began at the Traffic Light Junction in the vicinity of BMICH, Colombo 7, before taking runners through a long and challenging route across the Western Province.
The route passed through:
Borella → Dematagoda → Peliyagoda → Wattala → Pamunugama → Thalahena → Pitipana → Duwa
The race eventually concluded at the Negombo Beach Park, providing participants with a memorable finish along the Negombo coastline.
The route once again offered international runners an opportunity to experience a cross-section of Sri Lankan urban and coastal surroundings while competing in a professionally organized international road race.
2026 LSR Colombo Marathon Results
Full Marathon – Men
The men’s Full Marathon was won by Kenyan runner Elias Nyaga Muthoni, who completed the 42.195 km distance in an impressive 2 hours, 18 minutes and 18 seconds.
Top three:
- Elias Nyaga Muthoni – Kenya
Competitor No. 88 — 02:18:18 - Meshack Mbugua Nderitu – Kenya
Competitor No. 119 — 02:20:07 - E. AUC Rupasinghe – Sri Lanka
Competitor No. 105 — 02:24:08
The result also saw Sri Lanka represented on the Full Marathon men’s podium, with E. AUC Rupasinghe securing third place behind the two Kenyan runners.
Full Marathon – Women
The women’s Full Marathon title was secured by Muthee Joyce Wanjugu of Malaysia, who completed the course in 02:47:16.
Top three:
- Muthee Joyce Wanjugu – Malaysia
Competitor No. 217 — 02:47:16 - Kingori Ziporah Wanjiru – Malaysia
Competitor No. 216 — 02:56:07 - Caroline Cherono – Kenya
Competitor No. 218 — 03:05:02
Full Marathon – Veteran Men
The Veteran Men’s Full Marathon category was won by Sri Lankan runner R. M. C. P. Perera, who completed the race in 04:30:35.
Top three:
- R. M. C. P. Perera – Sri Lanka
Competitor No. 806 — 04:30:35 - Graeme Andrew Webber – Australia
Competitor No. 804 — 04:31:57 - Susantha Fernando – Sri Lanka
Competitor No. 805 — 04:43:05
Full Marathon – Veteran Women
The Veteran Women’s Full Marathon category was won by Carole Chapman of Australia, who recorded a finishing time of 04:08:00.
Winner:
- Carole Chapman – Australia
Competitor No. 851 — 04:08:00
Half Marathon – Men
The Half Marathon men’s category produced a closely contested Sri Lankan podium.
Top three:
- K. H. M. Sarath Kumara – Sri Lanka
Competitor No. 437 — 01:09:06 - Waththe Vidanalage Madura – Sri Lanka
Competitor No. 512 — 01:09:46 - R. M. S. Pushpa Kumara – Sri Lanka
Competitor No. 506 — 01:11:19
Sarath Kumara took the title after completing the 21.097 km distance in 1 hour, 9 minutes and 6 seconds, finishing just 40 seconds ahead of runner-up Waththe Vidanalage Madura.
Half Marathon – Women
Sri Lankan runners also dominated the women’s Half Marathon podium.
Top three:
- Gwon Fonseka – Sri Lanka
Competitor No. 662 — 01:27:07 - W. M. Nimesha Nidarshani – Sri Lanka
Competitor No. 664 — 01:31:05 - Kansawage Shashikala Dils – Sri Lanka
Competitor No. 661 — 01:38:20
Gwon Fonseka claimed first place with a time of 01:27:07, while Nimesha Nidarshani and Kansawage Shashikala Dils completed the women’s podium.
A Milestone for Sri Lankan Sports Tourism
The successful completion of the 20th LSR Colombo Marathon represents an important milestone not only for the organizers and participating athletes, but also for Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote sports tourism.
From its beginnings with just 356 participants in 1998 to attracting thousands of runners during its peak years, the marathon has developed into an established international sporting event that connects Sri Lanka with the global running community.
The participation of athletes from 33 countries in the 2026 edition further underlined the event’s international character, while the strong presence of Sri Lankan runners demonstrated the continued development and popularity of long-distance running domestically.
With more than 1,400 participants taking part in its 20th edition, the LSR Colombo Marathon has once again demonstrated its ability to bring together professional athletes, recreational runners, veterans, young participants and international visitors through sport.
As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its tourism industry and expand opportunities for sports and active travel, the LSR Colombo Marathon remains an important annual event in showcasing the country as a destination where sport, tourism and recreation come together.
