Indonesia International Marathon (IIM) 2022 is slated to hit the roads of Bali this Sunday with more than 3,000 runners from all over the world ready to compete.
In addition to showcasing the country’s ability to host a world class marathon, the event is expected to promote sports tourism on the Island of Gods.
“So far [we received] a positive response from elite national and international [athletes who] will participate in [the marathon]. There are [athletes from] eight countries including Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore,” said IIM race director Riena Tambunan.
The weekend road running race includes four events, namely the full marathon, half marathon, 10K run, and 5K run.
Grand Inna Bali Beach in Sanur will serve as the start and finish points for each category. Despite distance differences, all runners will pass through some of the island’s most popular landmarks and tourist spots.
All of the road race tracks have met standards set by World Athletics-AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Race). With the event taking place during one of the best months to visit Bali, friendly weather conditions forecast for this weekend is expected to spur athletes to hit their peak strides.
Indonesian Sports Council (KONI) secretary general Ade Lukman said separately that the event was forced into a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The event, he said, is hoped to serve as a stepping stone for Indonesia to be a roster in the World Marathon Majors in the future.
IIM will also pay tribute to Eduardo Nabunome, a legendary runner from Indonesia who passed away at the age of 52 in 2020 due to a heart attack.
Nabunome ran a marathon in 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 18 seconds at the 1993 National Games in Jakarta.
Indonesian runners who can break Nabunome’s record at IIM will be rewarded with an IDR1 billion (US$67,317) prize money, according to Riena.
“This is a tribute for [Eduardo]. [And also] a reward for local runners,” Riena added.
