TRAIL RUNNING TRIP: SRI LANKA

Introducing: SRI LANKA Step into the humid tropical wonders of stunning Sri Lanka. Home to the Pekoe Trail.

Dear Runners,

Welcome to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean! Do you love to travel + run? Picture yourself running through the lush hill country of Sri Lanka, where the landscapes, rich cultural history, and vibrant local cuisine are coupled with a bunch of chilled likeminded runners looking to discover a new place, run the trails, and make friends.

Join us for a special 5-night, 6-day running retreat as we cover 85km of some of the most spectacular trail running Sri Lanka has to offer. The island is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and we’re ready to show you its hidden gems. From ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites to tranquil tea estates and wild mountain ranges, this retreat is the perfect mix of running, relaxation, and discovery.

Dates: 3rd March 2026 - 5 Nights / 6 Days

What's Included:

• 5 nights & 6 days of unforgettable trail running in Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country

• 85km of diverse, breathtaking terrain across forests, tea plantations, mountains, and more

• Cultural immersion in Kandy and visits to local temples and heritage sites

• Delicious local cuisine (rice and curry, high tea, fresh fruits, and more!)

• A mix of luxury accommodations with stunning views, local guest houses, and organic farm stays

• Luggage transport – just bring a small backpack with essentials, we’ll take care of the rest

• Professional support team and experienced guides to ensure a safe, enjoyable journey

Trip Highlights:

• Pekoe Trail: Explore the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country, with trails that wind through ancient tea estates, quiet villages, and jungle landscapes.

• Knuckles Mountain Range: Experience stunning panoramic views and unique wildlife as we run through one of Sri Lanka's most scenic regions.

• Dimbula Road: Follow this historic 150-year-old route, passing waterfalls, forests, and the iconic Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak).

• Namunukula: Conquer the toughest yet most rewarding trail, complete with jaw-dropping mountain views, cultural landmarks, and the picturesque tea fields of Sri Lanka.

Daily Itinerary:

• Day 1: Welcome to Colombo
  Arrive in Colombo and enjoy a 10km shakeout run around the city, before indulging in your first traditional Sri Lankan meal of rice and curry.

  Day 2: Colombo to Kandy
  Hop on a traditional train ride through scenic landscapes to the historic city of Kandy. After exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens, we'll head out for a short run before a cozy dinner in the hills.

  Day 3: The Lizard’s Back – Pekoe Trail
  We’ll run through Ceylon Tea Museum, across the stunning Hanthana Tea Estate, and along the “Lizard’s Back” for spectacular views of the Knuckles Range.

  Day 4: The Holy Mountain – Sri Pada
  A challenging day running the old Dimbula Road, surrounded by waterfalls, forests, and panoramic views of Sri Lanka’s holy mountain, Sri Pada.

  Day 5: Namunukula – The Ultimate Challenge
  Tackle the most demanding stage of the Pekoe Trail, with views of Nine Peaks and an unforgettable finish at an organic farmhouse estate for a well-earned rest and celebration.

  Day 6: Departure
  After a leisurely breakfast and reflections on the journey, we’ll make our way back to Colombo for your onward travel.

RUN 85KM OF THE PEKOE TRAIL OVER 5 DAYS

• Location: Explore the beauty of Colombo, Kandy, Ella, & Sri Lanka's Hill Country

• Accommodation: Stay in luxury 5 hotels* and charming guest houses for a comfortable and memorable experience

• Running: 5 guided days across the iconic Pekoe Trail and the vibrant city of Colombo

• Daily Distances:

  • Day 1: 10km

  • Day 2: 10km

  • Day 3: 20km

  • Day 4: 18km

  • Day 5: 27km

• Terrain: 90% trail running with 2500m elevation gain through diverse landscapes, from tea plantations to mountain peaks

• Ability Level: Rated 2 out of 4 (Intermediate) – suitable for runners with some trail running experience

• Food: Enjoy all meals including traditional Sri Lankan cuisine at great local restaurants

• Includes:

  • Daily bag transfers for your convenience

  • Experienced guides & crew to support and ensure a smooth journey

Ready for the challenge? Don't miss your chance to run the stunning Pekoe Trail!

Itinerary Overview:

Welcome to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka! Join us for 5 nights and 6 days running 85km of some of the most spectacular trail running in Sri Lankan hill country. The island has so much to offer - we're spoilt for choice. Your time with us will feature cities, world heritage sites, cultural engagement, untouched hidden gems, local cuisine and so much more. The trails you'll be running is focussed primarily in Sri Lanka's iconic hill country, a region rich in history, culture, wildlife and landscapes. Running these areas and gives us the chance to show you this wonderful region in an off-the-beaten track itinerary.

We'll follow the famous Pekoe Trail, a route that traverses Sri Lanka's central highlands and winds through historic tea estates, jungles, rural communities, and varying terrains. Each day looks completely different. The beginning of the trip is built around experiencing local culture and running between world-famous heritage sites in the ancient city of Kandy. However, a short run leads us away from the hustle-and-bustle of the city and into the peaceful and pristine hill country in the central provinces. Each day the distance and elevation will vary so you can expect a steady chatting pace, some hiking and plenty of stops to taste the delicious local food. We always run together, so there's no pressure on pace. It's about the journey not the destination right? In Sri Lanka's hill country, the most challenging stages are rewarded with incredible panoramic views. Your accommodation is a mix of luxury hotels and guest houses. We'll transport your luggage for you, so you'll just need a running back with enough capacity to hold at least 2 litres of water. Our team and drivers will make sure you're taken care of. While we won't have access to transport during the runs themselves, we'll meet them to load the rest of our luggage before setting off for the trail.

Why Join Us?

• No Pace Pressure: We run as a group, focusing on the experience, not speed. It’s all about enjoying the journey, discovering Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, and celebrating the camaraderie of like-minded runners.

• All Levels Welcome: Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a beginner, the varied terrain and support team will ensure everyone has a rewarding experience.

• Off-the-Beaten-Track: Our route is designed to show you the hidden gems of Sri Lanka, away from the usual tourist paths.

• Luxury & Comfort: Relax after your runs in carefully chosen accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to charming guest houses.

Warm regards,

The Run Weekends Team

Discover Our Other Trips:

@runweekends

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www.runweekends.com