Sri Lankan-born runner completes first New York City Marathon in four hours 38 minutes

Sri Lankan-born US citizen Chamal Rathnayake completed the 2026 New York City Marathon in four hours and 38 minutes, covering the 42.2-kilometre course through the city's five boroughs. It was his first appearance in the event.

The November 1 race began on Staten Island and finished in Central Park. This year's event marked 50 years of the five-borough route and brought together more than 60,000 runners from over 100 countries, according to the account of his participation.

Rathnayake began running regularly only two years ago and spent a full year preparing while continuing his full-time work in information technology. He also joined the October 30 Parade of Nations with other Sri Lankan participants, celebrating the country's identity alongside athletes from around the world.

He thanked his wife, family, friends and supporters for encouraging him through the race and said every step had been for his home country. He hopes to take part in more international running events and marathons in future.