ICA International Half-Marathon tomorrow

The Indian Cultural Association (ICA) inaugural International Half-Marathon, sponsored by Continental Sri Lanka, is set to officially kick off tomorrow from the iconic Galle Face Green, Colombo. 

This highly anticipated event aims to position Sri Lanka as a premier destination for both leisure and sporting events, drawing athletes and enthusiasts from around the globe.

The ICA International Half-Marathon is a celebration of health, unity, community support, and sustainable tourism. With over 1,400 athletes from 20 countries, including Sri Lanka, New Zealand, the UK, Vietnam, India, China, Kenya, and Singapore to name a few, expected to participate, this event is set to make a significant impact on the local sporting landscape. The marathon will also serve as a platform to fund the ICA’s CSR initiatives of contributing to 367 orphanages in Sri Lanka, promoting organ donation through self-pledging, and planting Na Trees in local schools to symbolise the green footprint left by each race participant.

The event will feature three race categories: the Half-Marathon (21.0975 km), the Challengers Run (10 km), and the Family Run (5 km). All races will start and finish at Galle Face Green, opposite the Taj Samudra Hotel, offering participants a stunning backdrop of Colombo’s cityscape and coastline.

21.1 km Half-Marathon: The race will start at 5 a.m. Participants are expected to line up at 4:50 a.m. The route will take runners down Galle Road towards Dehiwala, turning onto Marine Drive at the Kollupitiya Junction. Runners will continue along Marine Drive, with a U-turn before the Dehiwala Railway Station, heading back towards Kollupitiya. From there, they will return to Galle Road towards Galle Face, then make a right turn at Rotunda Gardens, proceed to Perahera Mawatha, and continue through Fort towards York Street. At York Street, they need to make a left and the race will culminate back at Galle Face Green.

10 km Challengers Run: This race will begin at 5:30 a.m., with participants expected to line up by 5:20 a.m. The turning point on Marine Drive for this category will be at Palmyra Avenue, after which runners will retrace their steps back to the finish line at Galle Face Green.

5 km Family Run: The final race will start at 6 a.m., with participants lining up at 5:50 a.m. The 5 km route will take runners from Galle Face Green to Rotunda Gardens; from there, they will turn left towards Navam Mawatha and then take a right at Navam Mawatha. At the end of Navam Mawatha, they will take a left where they will turn off to complete the course at Galle Face Green.

Runners should be at the starting line at their designated times. It is crucial for participants to arrive early and be prepared for the flag-off to ensure a smooth and timely start.

Bib collection for all participants will take place on Saturday, 31 August from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the 12th Floor Auditorium of Asiri Surgical Hospital, Kirimandala Mawatha, Narahenpita. Complimentary parking will be available for participants on the second and third floors of the building. Please note that the bib collection will not be available on race day, and those unable to attend the scheduled collection can send a proxy.

Top finishers in both the male and female categories will be awarded prizes: Rs. 1,000,000 for First Place, Rs. 500,000 for Second Place, and Rs. 200,000 for Third Place, with many other consolation prizes. All participants will receive a medal and an E-Certificate endorsed by the supporting organisations.

The ICA International Half-Marathon is organised by the ICA of Sri Lanka and the event facilitator is Singletree, an event management company that specialises in sporting events. Partner organisations include Continental Tires, Lanka IOC PLC, MAK Lubricants, Asiri Hospital, SriLankan Airlines, Moose Clothing, Dialog TV, Hangla – The Ocean Lounge, Indian Bank, the Indian Cultural Centre, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Taj Samudra Colombo, Thakral Group and Bolt Distribution (100PLUS), Prime Packaging, and Emerging Media amongst many others.

The ICA of Sri Lanka, established in 2018 by a group of 160 Indian expatriates, has become a vibrant community that celebrates and promotes Indian culture and traditions in Sri Lanka. Through events like the Half-Marathon, the ICA continues to strengthen ties between the Indian community and the diverse population of Sri Lanka. 

With a limited capacity of 2,000 participants, early registration is encouraged. All registrants will receive a T-shirt, finisher medal, goodie bag, breakfast, water, electrolytes, and medical assistance. For registration and more information, please visit www.icainternationalmarathon.com/registration or contact +94 76 54 92 856.