Tabanan, TodaysSpill.com
Lush green terraced rice fields, cool mountain air, and the breathtaking scenery of Bali’s countryside became the main attractions of Bali Tourism Run 2026, held at the Jatiluwih Tourist Destination (DTW) in Penebel District, Tabanan Regency, on Sunday (June 21, 2026). Around 2,000 participants from various regions gathered at the site, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage destination.
More than just a sporting event, Bali Tourism Run 2026 transformed Jatiluwih into a showcase of Bali’s tourism potential before thousands of participants. Through this event, runners were invited to experience firsthand the island’s natural beauty, rich culture, and the traditional Subak irrigation system, one of Bali’s proudest cultural treasures.
The event, organized by the Bali Chapter of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA), was officially opened by Bali Provincial Secretary Dewa Made Indra and attended by Tabanan Vice Regent I Made Dirga.
The running route, which started from Telabah Gede, passed through Kedamian, Umo Duwi, and Besi Kalung, and finished at the UNESCO Monument, was deliberately designed to showcase the stunning landscape of Jatiluwih. Along the route, runners enjoyed panoramic views of expansive terraced rice fields set against a magnificent mountain backdrop.
Many participants took the opportunity to stop, take photos, and capture the natural beauty of Jatiluwih. The atmosphere demonstrated that this was not merely a running competition, but a tourism experience that combined sports with destination exploration.
In addition to strengthening the development of sports tourism, the event also created economic opportunities for local communities. Around 20 culinary booths participated, offering a variety of Tabanan’s traditional foods and local products to runners and visitors.
Bali Provincial Secretary Dewa Made Indra said that Bali Tourism Run aligns with Governor Wayan Koster’s vision of continuously promoting Bali’s leading tourist destinations through creative events.
“In accordance with the Governor’s direction, we must continue promoting the tourism attractions that Bali has to offer. At the same time, we need to be creative in developing new tourism events. Bali Tourism Run is one example, especially as running has become a very popular trend today,” he said.
According to him, despite being the inaugural edition and having a relatively short preparation period, Bali Tourism Run successfully attracted strong interest from both local residents and visitors.
“As a first-time event, there are naturally areas for improvement. However, I am confident that in the future it will be better prepared, involve more stakeholders, and grow into a much larger event,” he added.
The Bali Provincial Government hopes that Bali Tourism Run will evolve into an annual event held on a rotating basis at various leading tourist destinations across the island.
Meanwhile, Tabanan Vice Regent I Made Dirga believes the event has enormous potential for future development, as it attracts thousands of visitors while generating economic benefits for local communities.
“This is an excellent idea for the future. Events like this bring significant benefits to Tabanan Regency because they attract many people, creating opportunities for accommodation providers and local businesses,” he said.
Chairman of ASITA Bali and the event initiator, I Putu Winastra, explained that Jatiluwih was chosen because of its world-class appeal and its suitability for demonstrating that Bali remains a safe, comfortable, and highly attractive global tourism destination.
According to Winastra, Bali Tourism Run was designed to offer a complete travel experience. Participants were encouraged not only to run, but also to enjoy local cuisine, explore tourism villages, and experience the daily life of local communities.
“The involvement of local MSMEs is also a priority so that the benefits of tourism can truly be felt by the community,” he said.
Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee, I Ketut Purna, added that the theme “The Journey Begins from Jatiluwih” was chosen to symbolize the beginning of a journey that is expected to develop into an annual event held across all regencies in Bali.
“The event continues to prioritize sustainability. The carrying capacity of the area remains a key consideration to ensure that Jatiluwih’s environmental preservation is maintained,” said Purna, who is widely known as John.
Through Bali Tourism Run 2026, Jatiluwih served not only as a race venue but also as a stage for promoting Bali tourism. The thousands of participants who experienced the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage firsthand demonstrated that the combination of sports, nature, and local wisdom can create a memorable tourism experience while supporting sustainable economic growth for local communities.TS-01
