Sri Lankan-born runner Chamal Rathnayake completes New York City Marathon

Chamal Rathnayake, a Sri Lankan-born American citizen living in New York City, proudly represented Sri Lanka at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, which marked the 50th anniversary of the race’s five-borough course. He marched in the Parade of Nations on October 30 alongside athletes from around the world, joined by several other Sri Lankans taking part in the event.

Chamal wore an outfit by Lovi, sponsored by well-known designer Asanka De Mel, and carried the spirit of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) through the streets of New York. Also representing Sri Lanka in Lovi was another Chamal, Chamal Mediwaka, who had the honour of carrying the national flag as flag bearer.

On November 1, Chamal Rathnayake ran the full 42.2 km (26.2 miles) marathon and crossed the finish line in 4 hours and 38 minutes. The NYC Marathon is one of the world’s largest races, drawing over 60,000 runners from more than 100 countries. The course winds through all five boroughs, from Staten Island to the finish in Central Park.

Chamal took up running as a habit just a couple of years ago. He trained for a full year while working full time in IT, making this his first NYC Marathon. “Every step of those 26.2 miles was for my motherland. I am grateful to my wife Indu, Asanka De Mel and team Lovi, my family, friends, and everyone who cheered me on,” said Chamal Rathnayake.

He hopes to take part in more running events and marathons in the future.