Borobudur Marathon 2026 Increases Quota to 12,500 Runners

Semarang (ANTARA) - The Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon (BJBM) 2026 will provide a quota of 12,500 participants, offering a greater opportunity for runners to experience racing in the Borobudur Temple area of Magelang Regency, after last year’s edition catered for 11,500 runners.

Central Java Regional Secretary Sumarno said in Magelang on Thursday that the quota increase is intended to give a wider opportunity to runners who have so far been unsuccessful in obtaining a slot.

Registration for BJBM 2026, he said, is planned to open on 10 July 2026 through a ballot or lottery system.

The race, themed “Decade of Legacy”, will be held on 15 November 2026 in the Borobudur Temple area, featuring three categories: 10 kilometres, half marathon (21 kilometres), and full marathon (42 kilometres).

Since it was first held in 2017, according to Sumarno, the Borobudur Marathon has grown into far more than just a running race.

“This event has become part of the Central Java Provincial Government’s strategy to campaign for a healthy lifestyle, strengthen sport tourism, and at the same time boost the local economy,” he said.

He hopes more runners will come with their families and enjoy tourist destinations in the Borobudur area.

That way, the economic benefits will be felt not only by the organisers but also by micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM), hotels, restaurants, homestays, and local communities.

“We hope this year can break through Rp100 billion,” he said, comparing the 2025 edition, which generated an economic circulation of Rp67 billion.

Chairman of the Borobudur Marathon Foundation Liem Chie An said that since the event’s inception, the greatest aspiration has been to deliver benefits to the communities living around Borobudur.

According to him, the impact now being felt by residents is proof that the Borobudur Marathon has grown into a shared endeavour that brings tangible benefits to the local environment.

The celebration of a decade of the Borobudur Marathon will also be a special moment for runners, as the organisers are preparing a special appreciation medal for participants who have completed the Borobudur Marathon at least five times, including the 2026 edition.

The medal will symbolise the ten-year journey of the Borobudur Marathon while honouring the loyal runners who have been part of the event’s history.