ICA International Half-Marathon - Colombo 2024
Embrace health and the spirit of unity on September 1st 2024 (Sunday) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Run for a cause, plant a Naa tree, experience a day filled with cultural celebrations and networking. Explore The Ramayana Trail and the beauty of this paradise island pre- and post-event.
Check out the official results of the ICA International Half-Marathon!
Click the button below to view your performance and see how you ranked.
Total Prize Money Rs. 5,700,000
Prize money at the ICA International Half-Marathon is equally distributed amongst male and female in the Half Marathon (21.0975Km), Challengers Run (10Km), and Family Run (5Km).
ICA International Half-Marathon - Colombo 2024
The primary objective of ICA Sri Lanka is to bring together marathon enthusiasts from across the world to Colombo to run for a cause – that will support lives. We wish to create a global platform whereby individuals come together for the first time and foster a spirit of unity and camaraderie.
The ICA International Half-Marathon is more than just a race; it’s an event that promotes health, unity, community support, and sustainable tourism. Starting and finishing at Galle Face Green, the marathon route showcases the scenic beauty of Colombo, including Marine Drive and Galle Road.
So, it is not mandatory to be a professional marathon runner; you can even run or walk shorter distances. Everyone is welcome.
The marathon aims to raise awareness for organ donation and the event incorporates several meaningful initiatives, such as the planting of Bodhi trees at local schools by participating associations to symbolize growth and renewal. Additionally, the event encourages exploration of Sri Lanka’s tourist destinations, cultural sites, and natural beauty, such as the Ramayana Trail.
Participants are invited to join this extraordinary event, run for a noble cause, and create lasting memories. The marathon’s objectives highlight its commitment to both social causes and the promotion of Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural beauty.
Objective 1
Half Marathon
Half Marathons are probably the only sport where thousands of people can participate in, and yet be completed within 3-4 hours. Also, marathons have gained incredible popularity worldwide, inspiring people from all walks of life. It serves as a platform for individuals from different backgrounds to come together and engage in regular physical activity, emphasizing the importance of fitness, healthy lifestyle, and well-being.
Objective 2
Organ Donation Drive
Every marathon is run for a cause and ours is to encourage Organ Donation. As per statistics, the daily death rate in this world is about 150,000 people per day. And out of this number, about 100,000 people die waiting for an organ or due to organ failure.
It’s a matter of shame that just 0.1% of the world population donates their organs and the rest are simply cremated or incinerated. If organs are timely harvested, each donor could save at least 8 lives and enhance over 75 lives.
We believe that the participants of this event can effect a timely change and promote the importance of organ donation.
Objective 3
Plant a Naa tree
After the morning’s Marathon run, participants of each Indian Association will visit a local school in Colombo. We will facilitate members to plant one Naa tree sapling in the school. Further, each participant will be given a wooden name board with their respective name embossed on it. This name board will be pinned next to the tree.
What a sustainable way to leave your footprint in Sri Lanka! This noble gesture will not only encourage future dialogues between the school and marathon participants, but it will also give participants a reason to return to Sri Lanka, if nothing, to check on their own Naa tree and appreciate how tall it has grown.
The Naa Tree, Sri Lanka’s national tree, holds a special place in the country. Just like every Bodhi Tree, it is protected. You can be confident that your Naa Tree will flourish here for the next 100 years and beyond.
Objective 4
Networking & Cultural Exchanges
We will organize networking and cultural programs followed by a gala dinner at a 5-star hotel in Colombo. The evening will also showcase the rich culture of India and Sri Lanka through music and dance. We believe that this interaction between members of different countries will create an atmosphere of inclusivity, strengthen international bonds and also encourage future business opportunities.
Objective 5
Experience the Scenic Beauty of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka had claimed the top spot in the world’s leading travel guide, the Lonely Planet, as the best travel destination in 2019. Sri Lanka was also ranked as a top destination for winter travel by USA Today in 2019. CNN Travel ranked Sri Lanka as one of the 20 best places to visit in 2020.
Moreover, many Indians are emotionally connected with Lord Rama & Sita Devi. We encourage all participants to use this golden opportunity to explore the Ramayana Trail and other local attractions before and after the 1st ICA International Marathon event.
Click here to view special tour packages by Aitken Spence Travels.
Objective 6
Charity
ICA Sri Lanka has and continues to support 10,600 less-fortunate children living in 367 orphanages in Sri Lanka.
10 Apr 2021
Organized a Nationwide art competition for these children.
16 Sep 2022
During Covid, members donated 700 computers so that children living in orphanages of Sri Lanka could attend online classes.
16 July 2022
During the recent Economical crisis in Sri Lanka, when food was a scarcity, we donated 100 days of ration worth 80 Million rupees to these 367 orphanages catering to 10,600 children.
Event schedule
2024 Registration Registration Closed
Official Hospitality Partners
As a participant in the ICA International Half-Marathon 2024, you can now enjoy exclusive discounts on your stay at our official hospitality partners.