JAKARTA: More than 14,000 runners from 46 countries are set to descend on Indonesia’s famed tourist island of Bali for the Maybank Marathon 2026 on Aug 23, with Malaysians making up the largest group of foreign participants.
The 14,100-strong field, up from 13,600 runners last year, is expected to deliver a bigger boost to Bali’s economy, with organisers hoping the marathon’s economic contribution could exceed Rp300 billion.
Maybank Marathon Project Director Bambang Irawan said the higher turnout was expected to generate a greater economic impact for Bali, particularly through the involvement of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The marathon generated an estimated Rp255 billion (RM58.34 million) in economic impact last year, up from Rp164 billion (RM37.54 million) in 2024, he said.
"This year, of course, we hope it will be higher,” he told Bernama.
The race, to be held at the Bali United Training Center in Gianyar, is now in its 15th edition and features the Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21.1 km) and 10K categories, as well as Wheelchair and Children Sprint events.
Beyond drawing a growing community of runners, the Maybank Marathon is also Indonesia’s first World Athletics Elite Label Road Race.
Bambang said preparations were progressing well, with all planned stages completed ahead of the arrival of runners next week.
"We are very ready to welcome the runners next week,” he said. - Bernama
