GIANYAR, BALI — Bali Marathon 2026, with Maybank as its principal sponsor, is further strengthening Bali’s position as an international destination for sport tourism and business events. More than 14,000 runners from 46 countries took part in the event, generating significant activity across tourism, hospitality, transport, the creative economy, SMEs and local businesses.
Held at the Bali United Training Centre in Gianyar Regency on Sunday (23 August), Bali Marathon 2026 received direct support from Bali Governor Wayan Koster.
The Governor’s presence highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector and the tourism industry in developing international events that deliver tangible benefits to the destination and local communities.
During his visit, Governor Koster not only watched the race but also visited several SME stands at the event venue. Local products were showcased to participants and visitors from across Indonesia and overseas. The Governor also purchased several products as a gesture of appreciation and support for local businesses.
“This is an important example of how international events can deliver direct benefits to the people and SMEs of Bali.”
An International Event with a Significant Economic Impact
Bali Marathon 2026 attracted more than 14,000 runners from 46 countries, including 11 elite athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. Participants competed in several categories, including the 42.195-kilometre Marathon, 21.1-kilometre Half Marathon, 10K, Wheelchair and Children’s Sprint.
The scale of international participation generated economic activity across a wide range of sectors. Runners, accompanying guests and visitors required accommodation, transport, food and beverage services, travel arrangements, tourism experiences and local products.
With Maybank as principal sponsor, Bali Marathon has developed into an important driver of sport tourism in Bali. The event is expected to generate around IDR300 billion in economic activity in 2026, up from approximately IDR255 billion in regional economic impact the previous year.
This demonstrates how an international sporting event can generate benefits well beyond the competition venue. The arrival of thousands of international participants creates opportunities for local businesses to benefit economically while introducing their products and services to global markets.
For Bali, this further highlights the strategic role of sport tourism as part of tourism diversification. Participants and accompanying guests can extend their stay, explore other destinations, experience Balinese culture and cuisine, and take part in additional tourism activities.
Sport Tourism Strengthens Bali’s Business Events Ecosystem
Bali Marathon also demonstrates that Bali’s business events sector extends beyond conferences, exhibitions and corporate meetings. Sporting events, festivals, cultural events and special-interest events can attract significant numbers of international visitors while generating substantial economic value.
From a destination development perspective, Bali Marathon provides an example of how a sporting event can connect sport with tourism, the creative economy, destination promotion and community development.
Its wider impact is strengthened by social and environmental initiatives, including the “Jejak Hijau Desa Sanding” sustainable village programme, Biru Charity, which supports 100 young people with disabilities and orphans in Bali, and Run for Charity, involving 36 runners in support of social causes.
These initiatives reflect the growing importance of responsible events in the global tourism industry. International events are increasingly assessed not only by participation and economic impact, but also by their contribution to communities, the environment and sustainable destination development.
A Platform for Destination Marketing
Bali Marathon has established an important position on the international running calendar. The event was the first marathon in Indonesia to receive World Athletics Elite Label status in 2020 and carries Elite Label Road Race certification this year.
Its international profile provides additional value for Bali’s destination marketing. Elite athletes, international runners, sports communities and accompanying guests create global exposure not only for the event, but also for Bali as a destination for travel, sport, leisure and business events.
Looking ahead, integrating sport tourism with Bali’s business events strategy can help the island expand its international market, strengthen destination competitiveness and promote higher-quality and more sustainable tourism.
Bali Marathon is therefore more than a running event. Behind every participant is a wider ecosystem of economic activity, destination promotion, cultural interaction, business opportunities and stakeholder collaboration—further strengthening Bali’s position as one of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading international events destinations.
(BaliCEB Media Team)