BALINEWSID.COM, TABANAN — The inaugural Bali Tourism Run 2026, held at the Jatiluwih Tourist Attraction in Tabanan Regency on Sunday (June 21), attracted 1,715 runners from Indonesia and abroad, marking a successful start for what organizers hope will become an annual international sporting and tourism event.

The event, which forms part of the lead-up to the celebration of 100 Years of Bali Tourism, featured a scenic 5-kilometer route through Jatiluwih’s iconic terraced rice fields, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its cultural landscape and traditional Subak irrigation system.

Bali Provincial Secretary Dewa Made Indra, representing Bali Governor Wayan Koster, joined participants on the course and officially flagged off the race. He praised the Association of The Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali and the organizing committee for successfully staging the event.

“I am happy and proud to be here. On behalf of the Governor and the Bali Provincial Government, we express our highest appreciation to ASITA and the entire organizing committee. Although this is the first edition, the event has been exceptionally vibrant and successful,” Dewa Indra said.

He expressed optimism that Bali Tourism Run could evolve into a major international event and called for a significant increase in participation next year.

“Today we have around 1,700 participants. Next year, the number should increase at least fivefold. With better preparation, I am confident the event will become even bigger and better,” he said.

According to Dewa Indra, Jatiluwih was chosen as the inaugural venue because it symbolizes Bali’s tourism philosophy, which emphasizes harmony between people, nature, and culture.

Carrying the theme “The Journey Begins From Jatiluwih,” the event is designed to promote Bali’s tourism destinations through a rotating concept that showcases different attractions across the island.

“The theme carries a profound meaning. We move from one tourist destination to another to continuously introduce Bali’s diverse attractions. Jatiluwih represents the extraordinary harmony of humanity, nature, and culture, making it a world-class tourism destination,” he said.

He emphasized that tourism events should generate tangible benefits for local communities by stimulating economic activity and creating broader opportunities.

“We must continue creating new tourism events. Activities like this should not be exclusive; they must benefit local communities and strengthen Bali’s tourism sector. Next year’s event is planned to take place in Besakih,” Dewa Indra added.

Bali Tourism Run Organizing Committee Chairman Wayan Suberata said Jatiluwih was selected to offer participants a unique running experience while introducing one of Bali’s most iconic tourism destinations to the international community.

“Jatiluwih was chosen because it is a powerful attraction that allows runners to experience firsthand the beauty of the UNESCO-recognized rice terraces,” he said.

Suberata noted that registration was closed one day before the event after reaching the maximum quota of 1,715 participants. In addition to domestic runners, the race attracted international participants from countries including Russia, China, the United States, and France.

Meanwhile, ASITA Bali Chairman Putu Winastra described Bali Tourism Run as a concrete example of collaboration between government, tourism stakeholders, and local communities in strengthening Bali’s position as a world-class tourism destination.

“This event demonstrates the progress of Bali’s tourism sector through strong cooperation between the provincial government, the tourism industry, and the community,” Winastra said.

He added that the event is part of a series of activities leading up to the centennial celebration of Bali tourism in 2027. Beyond promoting tourism and encouraging longer visitor stays, the organizers also provided educational assistance to three outstanding students in need as part of the event’s social responsibility program.

“We hope Bali Tourism Run will become a driving force for tourism and the creative economy while delivering broader benefits to the community,” he said.

The 2027 edition is expected to be held in the Besakih area as part of a rotating concept that will bring the event to different regencies and cities across Bali.

By combining sports, sustainable tourism promotion, environmental awareness, and community empowerment, Bali Tourism Run is expected to become a signature annual event that further enhances Bali’s reputation as a globally recognized cultural tourism destination.