Colombo Marathon returns after 6 years
The famed Colombo International Marathon will make its return after a lapse of six years on October 5, according to the organisers Lanka Sportreizen. Last held in 2018, the 19th edition of Colombo International Marathon will include over 2000 runner, with more than 200 foreign participants expected to join the fleet of competitors from over 30 countries.
The event is expected to flag off at 6:00am in the close proximity to the BMICH on Bauddhaloka Mawatha, proceeding towards the Negombo Beach Park covering Borella, Dematagoda, Peliyagoda, Wattala along the Hamilton Canal, Pamunugama, Thalahena, Pitipana and Doowa. The event is supported by the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Tourism, the Western Provincial Council, Negombo Municipal Council and other relevant Municipal Councils, Pradeshiya Sabhas, Sri Lanka Athletics and Sri Lanka Police.
“Tourism in Sri Lanka has reemerged as a growing force contributing for the country’s economy with increased arrivals. In this background Lanka Sportreizen, being a pioneer in organising Water and Nature based sports activities with the objective of further boosting the image of the country as a destination for recreational activities, takes pride in continuing our unblemished record over the past three decades organising and conducting unique events,” an official press released issued by the organisers stated.
Some reputed events organised by Lanka Sportsreisen include Sri Lanka T-Cup, Road Cycling Race, Rumble in the Jungle, Mountain Biking Challenge, Vittel Amazon Adventure Challenge, WQS Surfing with Australian Surfing Professionals and Sri Lankan Golf Classic besides the world famed LSR Colombo International Marathon.
The first LSR International Marathon was introduced in 1998 in Galle, which evolved progressively over the past 18 editions to become a leading international event in the Asian region. The Colombo International Marathon is the only international long distance running event registered with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), the governing body for Long Distance Running of World Athletics, formerly IAAF. The Colombo Marathon also has been awarded the voting rights at the AIMS World Congress being amongst its 158 voting members representing 434 races across the world.