The globally renowned IRONMAN® 70.3® triathlon is officially returning to Sri Lanka, with Colombo set to host the prestigious endurance event on February 22, 2026. The announcement was made on August 21, 2025, marking the race’s return to the island nation for the first time since 2019. The 2026 edition promises a fresh experience for participants, with the course now centered around Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka’s modern urban development on the Indian Ocean. The new venue is expected to elevate the race experience for both athletes and spectators.
A Milestone for Sri Lanka’s Sporting Landscape
Organizers say the return of IRONMAN 70.3 signals more than just a race, it’s a sign of Sri Lanka’s re-emergence as a destination for international sports, wellness tourism, and world-class events. The triathlon is set to draw participants from around the world, further boosting the country's visibility on the global stage.
Race Day Details: Scenic, Fast, and Iconic
Taking place in the heart of Colombo, the race will feature the traditional 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, and 21.1 km run, showcasing the city’s unique blend of heritage and modernity. Athletes will swim in the calm waters near Port City, cycle past historic sites and cityscapes, and run along Colombo’s vibrant oceanfront. The shift from the previous venue at Galle Face Green to Port City reflects the organizers’ commitment to enhancing athlete experience and providing world-class infrastructure.
Local organizers Ready to Deliver a World-Class Event
Rajan Thananayagam, Director of local organizing partner Serendib Multisport (Pvt) Ltd, expressed excitement about hosting the race once again: “We’re excited to welcome the IRONMAN® Ohana back to Colombo. In 2018 and 2019, athletes raved about the event and our island’s legendary hospitality. Many turned their race into a holiday, exploring our beaches, hill country, and culture. In 2026, we aim to make the experience even more unforgettable.”
International Support for Colombo’s Comeback
The event has received strong backing from the IRONMAN Group. Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia, highlighted Colombo’s appeal to the global triathlon community: “We’re thrilled to return to Sri Lanka for a race that quickly gained a reputation as one of the most scenic and accessible in the region. From smooth swim conditions to sweeping bike routes and crowd-lined run paths, Colombo offers a race experience athletes remember fondly.” He noted that the inaugural event in 2018 attracted participants from 63 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse races in the region.
A Race and a Holiday Experience
Beyond the competition, IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo is expected to draw athletes and spectators looking to combine sport with travel. Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, coastal resorts, and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for post-race relaxation and exploration.
What’s Next?
Full race registration details, qualification opportunities, and athlete information will be released in the coming weeks. organizers encourage early sign-ups, as international interest is expected to be high. The countdown to IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo 2026 has officially begun and Sri Lanka is ready to welcome the world back.
Personal Insights: Why IRONMAN Was Brought to Sri Lanka
For Rajan Thananayagam, the driving force behind IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo, bringing this iconic triathlon series to Sri Lanka wasn’t just about hosting a world-class sporting event; it was deeply personal. A seasoned triathlete long before he became an organiser, Rajan has competed in over 26 full-distance IRONMAN races, including two finishes at the legendary IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, and more than 30 IRONMAN 70.3 events around the globe. His best time for a full IRONMAN, a grueling test of 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling, and a 42.2 km marathon, is an impressive 10 hours and 12 minutes. In 2023, he completed one of the sport's toughest challenges: the Norseman Extreme Triathlon in Norway, earning the coveted black finisher t-shirt. “As an athlete, these races weren't just achievements, they were symbols of what’s possible when you push beyond your limits,” Rajan says. “But what truly captivated me about triathlon was the community it creates, one where respect is earned by effort, not background.”
Growing up in Sri Lanka during the civil war, Rajan witnessed the effects of division firsthand. Later, after moving to Australia, he often wondered whether his homeland would one day come together around something unifying and positive. That question stayed with him and became the seed that would grow into IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo. “Triathlon taught me that despite different cultures, beliefs, and languages, people can come together with a shared purpose,” he reflects. “Bringing IRONMAN to Sri Lanka was my way of creating a space where that could happen here too.” When Colombo hosted the event in 2018 and 2019, Rajan saw his vision become reality. Volunteers, spectators, athletes, and institutions came together, not just to deliver a race, but to celebrate Sri Lanka at its best. “There were no divisions. Only unity. That meant more to me than any medal or finish time,” he recalls. “IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo proved to me that sport can heal, inspire, and unite.”
For Rajan, the return of IRONMAN 70.3 in February 2026 is more than a relaunch, it’s a continuation of a journey that blends personal passion with national pride. “It reminds me why I fell in love with this sport, because triathlon is about the human spirit: resilient, inclusive, and hopeful. That’s why I brought IRONMAN to Sri Lanka. And that’s why I’m bringing it back.”
Athlete First: How Passion Shapes the Event
For Rajan Thananayagam, endurance sports aren't just a passion, they are the foundation of his identity and the driving force behind the return of IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo. His deep-rooted connection to triathlon and the values it embodies - resilience, perseverance, and community and has profoundly influenced how the event is organised and promoted. “IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo has always been more than a race. It’s a celebration of the human spirit,” Rajan explains. “Everything we do is shaped by that understanding because we’ve lived it ourselves.”
Both Rajan and his business partner, Yasas Hewage, bring not only organizational expertise but also firsthand athletic experience. Yasas is an accomplished endurance cyclist who has organised major cycling events in Sri Lanka. Together, they approach the race with a shared perspective: they think like athletes. “We know what it feels like to stand on the start line, the months of preparation, the nerves, the emotional payoff at the finish,” Rajan says. “That gives us an athlete’s lens on everything we design.”
From the course layout and hydration points to registration systems and transportation logistics, every decision is guided by one key principle: “What would make this better for the athlete?” But their vision goes beyond logistics.
“Endurance athletes carry powerful stories of transformation, struggle, and triumph. We want to give space for those stories to be told,” Rajan says. “When you promote the race through human connection, you’re not just filling slots, you’re building a community.” By weaving those personal journeys into the fabric of the event, Rajan and his team hope to make IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo not just a race on the calendar, but a memory that stays with athletes for a lifetime. “Our goal is to show that Sri Lanka isn’t just capable of hosting a world-class race, it’s a place that champions courage, inclusivity, and heartfelt hospitality.”
Moments That Moved a Nation
While IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo has seen its share of elite performances and dramatic finishes, for organiser Rajan Thananayagam, the most unforgettable moments weren’t defined by podiums but by people. “The event was never just one story. It was thousands converging into one shared experience,” he says. “Every athlete, volunteer, and supporter brought their own journey, and that collective spirit made it truly special.”
One of the most powerful memories didn’t even come from the course. Rajan recalls a moment shared by his wife during the race weekend, a moment that summed up the emotional depth of the event. “She saw a woman in the crowd crying,” he shares. “She didn’t know any of the athletes. She was just overwhelmed with pride, saying, ‘I can’t believe we, as Sri Lankans, can host something like this.’ That moment, that feeling, captured everything we hoped this race would mean.” It wasn’t just about sport. It was about identity, unity, and belief, a reminder that Sri Lanka could stand tall on the world stage and do so together.
Stories That Inspire
Among the hundreds of athletes who took on the challenge of IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo, some stories have left a lasting mark on the race’s legacy. “We had Khalid Osman, a visually impaired Sri Lankan athlete who completed the race in both 2018 and 2019. We had Punchibanda from the indigenous Vadda community. Teams came from the north and south. These were more than participants they were symbols of what this event represents.” But one story that continues to deeply inspire Rajan is that of Mayura Shivalkar, an Indian athlete whose journey embodied the true spirit of endurance.
In 2018, Mayura competed in Colombo while living with breast cancer with test results still pending. Battling pain and uncertainty, she completed the race on medication and sheer will. She returned home not just to finish her treatment but to fight her illness head-on. A year later, she came back to Colombo, cancer-free, and crossed the finish line again. “Her words still echo in my mind,” Rajan says. “‘Cancer didn’t bring me to my knees, it brought me to my feet.’” Her story, like so many others, is a reminder that IRONMAN isn’t just a test of fitness, it’s a celebration of human resilience. And in 2026, Mayura will return once more, this time, to inspire the next generation of athletes.
A Race with Purpose, A Nation on Display
As Sri Lanka prepares to welcome back IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo in February 2026, it becomes clear that this is more than just a sporting event. It is a symbol of resilience, unity, and national pride, a platform where personal passion meets international prestige. Driven by the lived experiences of its organizers and powered by a deep understanding of what athletes truly value, IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo promises to deliver not just a race, but a story, one of community, endurance, and possibility. With its scenic course, world-class infrastructure, and unmatched Sri Lankan hospitality, the event stands ready to reclaim its place as a favorite on the global triathlon calendar. In the words of its organizers, this is not just a return, it’s a statement. Sri Lanka is open, ready, and stronger than ever. And in 2026, the world will race through it once again. For registration and course details please log into: https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-colombo
