Indian Cultural Association International Half-Marathon 2024 a success

The Indian Cultural Association (ICA) yesterday announced the successful conclusion of its inaugural International Half-Marathon, which took place on Sunday, 1 September, 2024. 

Sponsored by Continental Sri Lanka, the event saw 732 athletes from 20 countries gather at the historic Galle Face Green, Colombo, to participate in this landmark event.

The marathon began at the crack of dawn with the 21.1 km Half-Marathon participants setting off at 5:00 a.m., followed by the 10 km Challengers Run at 5:30 a.m., and culminating with the 5 km Family Run at 6:00 a.m. The scenic and well-planned route took runners through some of Colombo’s most iconic locations, including Galle Road, Marine Drive, Beira Lake, and the bustling Colombo Fort. The race returned to its starting point at Galle Face Green, where participants were met with cheers and applause from an enthusiastic crowd.

Both participants and spectators enjoyed the flat course, which provided a perfect backdrop for the athletes to test their endurance and speed. The race concluded at 9:00 a.m., with winners emerging across all categories after a fiercely competitive yet spirited event.

Winners list:

21.1 km Half-Marathon:

Men’s Solo Category:

• 1st Place: Haputhanthrige Don Sajith Dilshan Gunasekara, Sri Lanka – Rs. 1,000,000
• 2nd Place: Edirisighe Appuhamilage Udara Chanaka Rupasinghe, Sri Lanka – Rs. 500,000
• 3rd Place: Waththe Vidanalage Madhuranga Upul Kumara, Sri Lanka – Rs. 200,000
• Women’s Solo Category:
• 1st Place: Herath Mudiyanselage Chamini Samudika Herath, Sri Lanka – Rs. 1,000,000
• 2nd Place: Herath Mudiyanselage Welemulle Gedara Wathsala Madushani Herath, Sri Lanka – Rs. 500,000
• 3rd Place: Bilingas Waththage Nayana Sewwandi, Sri Lanka – Rs. 200,000

10 km Challengers Run:

Men’s Solo Category:

• 1st Place: Kibullobbe Herath Mudiyanselage Sarath Kumara, Sri Lanka
• 2nd Place: Muthusamy Sivarajan, Sri Lanka
• 3rd Place: Kariyawasam Gamaralalage Wimal Dilkusha, Sri Lanka
• Women’s Solo Category:
• 1st Place: Wijesooriya Arachchilage Methmi Rasara, Sri Lanka
• 2nd Place: Abegoda Liyanage Samanthika Dilhani, Sri Lanka
• 3rd Place: Kobbawala Gedara Nayidasinha Mudiyanselage Ajantha Kumari, Sri Lanka
• 5 km Family Run:
• Men’s Solo Category:
• 1st Place: Selvarathnam Chandradasan, Sri Lanka
• 2nd Place: Jaliya Kumara Bandara, Sri Lanka
• 3rd Place: Kasthuri Arachchige Manjula Wijerathna, Sri Lanka
• Women’s Solo Category:
• 1st Place: Velu Karishanthani, Sri Lanka
• 2nd Place: Udugam Vithtange Kalahari Madirika, Sri Lanka
• 3rd Place: Marlena Platzer, Austria 

The ICA International Half-Marathon has proven to be a significant milestone in promoting Sri Lanka as a premier destination for international sporting events. The event has not only highlighted the beauty of Colombo but also underscored the importance of community support and sustainable tourism.

“We are thrilled with the success of our inaugural International Half-Marathon,” said ICA President Captain Anirban Banerjee. “The participation of athletes from 20 different countries demonstrates the global appeal for such events in Sri Lanka. We look forward to growing this event in the coming years, continuing our efforts to support local communities through our CSR initiatives, and further promoting Sri Lanka as a hub for world-class sporting events.”

ICA International Half-Marathon wa organised by the Indian Cultural Association of Sri Lanka and the event facilitator is Single Tree, 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 Marriot Colombo, Taj Samudra Colombo, Thakral and Bolt Group (100 Plus), Prime Packaging and Emerging Media amongst many others.