Maybank Marathon 2024: An Elite Running Event Set for Bali
T Bank Maybank Indonesia Tbk, known as Maybank Indonesia, is gearing up to host the Elite Label Road Race Maybank Marathon 2024 on August 25, 2024. This will be the marathon’s 13th edition, organized under the theme “Discover a New You,” which reflects its ongoing commitment to showcasing not only athletic achievement but also sustainability within the community.
Maybank Indonesia’s President Director, Steffano Ridwan, emphasized the marathon’s role as the first and only Elite Road Race in Indonesia, serving as a platform for local and international runners to showcase their abilities. “Our marathon demands dedication and perseverance,” he remarked during Saturday’s press conference on August 24, highlighting the diverse array of categories available to participants.
The event will feature a staggered schedule of flag-offs starting early Sunday morning. The marathon runners will set off at 4:30 AM WITA, followed by the Half Marathon category at 5:30 AM WITA, and the 10K runners at 6:00 AM WITA. Additional categories will include wheelchair participants at 6:10 AM WITA and a children’s sprint at 8:00 AM WITA. A total prize pool of IDR 2.7 billion will be up for grabs, rewarding 86 winners, including those who set new records.
Project Director Widya Permana reported that the new race location, the Bali United Training Center in Gianyar, aims to enhance the experience for over 12,700 participants from 57 countries, with foreign participants making up about 12.7% of the total. Notably, there has been a 17% increase in Marathon participants this year, with a total of 3,500 runners. This growth underscores the theme of self-discovery and the increasing popularity of running as a sport in Indonesia.
This year’s marathon will also showcase a special race segment for 25 elite Indonesian marathon runners who have qualified based on their previous performances in 2022 and 2023. These runners will compete for the chance to qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon 2025, adding an exciting dimension to the event. This opportunity is complemented by the chance to win the #BaliBeatsBoston raffle, further motivating local athletes to strive for excellence.
In alignment with its sustainability goals, Maybank has implemented 13 eco-friendly initiatives as part of the marathon’s operations. These include the planting of mangroves, the establishment of an Eco-village for organic waste management, and various programs aimed at mitigating environmental impacts. Additionally, runners will have the chance to participate in the Run For Charity program, raising funds for local charities while promoting a spirit of community and giving.
Safety is a top priority for the organizers, with nearly 1,300 individuals, including police officers, community members, medical personnel, and trained pacers, ensuring participant welfare throughout the race. With the involvement of international elite athletes from countries like Kenya and Uganda, the Maybank Marathon 2024 is poised to be a significant event in the global running calendar. Maybank Indonesia, in partnership with leading media and sponsors, anticipates that the marathon will leave a lasting positive impression on both runners and spectators alike.
For further details, including registration and event updates, interested participants can visit Maybank’s official marathon page.
This article is sponsored by Maybank.