How 2026 Went
Race day was 13 September 2026.
Full results →Course Map
About this Race
The Colombo Marathon is a flat coastal course through the Sri Lankan capital, tracing the Indian Ocean seafront and the city's streets on largely level terrain. The flat profile is fast on paper, but the tropical heat and humidity are the defining challenge throughout. The seaside setting and city tour define the day. The flat roads reward steady effort once the climate is respected. It suits runners who want a flat coastal South Asian race and are prepared to pace conservatively against the warmth.
Course Insight
Colombo is a flat, hot, humid coastal marathon through the Sri Lankan capital, where the tropical climate, not the terrain, sets the difficulty. Go out conservatively, hydrate early, and accept that goal pace may need to soften. The level seaside terrain offers no natural brakes. The coastal setting is scenic. Pace for the humidity and the flat profile rewards restraint.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat, challenging typical weather.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 54m
- Elevation loss
- 61m
- Highest point
- 18m
- Lowest point
- 4m
- Net elevation
- -7m
- Start
- Galle Face Green, Colombo
- Cutoff time
- 5h 0m
Race History
The Colombo Marathon was first held in 1998, tracing the Indian Ocean seafront and streets of the Sri Lankan capital on a flat coastal course. After lapsing for years, it was relaunched in 2025, drawing renewed local and international interest back to the coast. The flat profile, shaped by tropical heat, remains its defining character. It continues as a flat coastal South Asian race where the climate sets the pace.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Bandaranaike International Colombo (CMB), Ratmalana (RML)
- Best area to stay
- The Galle Face area in Fort for proximity to the seafront route and grand hotels, Cinnamon Gardens for upscale, leafy stays, and Mount Lavinia for seaside options nearby.
- Getting to the start
- The start is near Galle Face/the centre; take a taxi to the start, as transit is limited at the early hour.