Governor Khofifah Flags Off Thousands of Runners at International Trail Running MANTRA116 2026

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa flagged off thousands of participants at the MANTRA116 2026 International Trail Running event at Kaliandra Eco Resort, Prigen, Pasuruan Regency, on Sunday (5/7). The start marked the culmination of the world-class trail running event held from 3-5 July 2026 in the Raden Soerjo Grand Forest Park (Tahura) area, managed by the East Java Provincial Forestry Service, within the Arjuno-Welirang Mountains. On the final day, Governor Khofifah released approximately 1,750 runners competing in the 17-kilometre and 10-kilometre categories. Overall, MANTRA116 2026 attracted 4,015 runners from 21 countries and 29 provinces, affirming East Java’s strengthening position as an international-class sport tourism destination. Now in its 10th edition, the event has grown into one of Indonesia’s most prestigious mountain running races. MANTRA116 has also received recognition from the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and the UTMB Index, making it a highly anticipated fixture in the global trail running community. Governor Khofifah expressed her appreciation to all organisers, the Mantra (Malang Trail Run) community, volunteers, security personnel, medical teams, and all parties collaborating to ensure the success of the international event. She assessed that MANTRA116 is not merely a sporting competition but also an effective promotional medium to introduce East Java’s natural riches to both national and international audiences. ‘How to enjoy Indonesia with its natural beauty and hopefully it becomes sport tourism that will be positive energy for all of us,’ she said. Khofifah noted that the Arjuno-Welirang Mountains possess extraordinary potential as a destination for nature tourism and adventure sports. The scenic landscapes, rich forest ecosystems, and challenging mountain trails are a unique attraction for runners and tourists alike. ‘Today we are together exploring the beauty of the slopes of Arjuno, the slopes of Welirang, and Tahura Raden Soerjo, which is part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru Arjuno Biosphere Reserve designated by UNESCO. It is hoped that the Arjuno-Welirang climb can become a favourite destination for international tourists, further cementing its position as a hidden gem in Indonesia. Be more innovative and creative so we hope to start happy, finish happy,’ she stated. Khofifah added that the growing number of participants from various countries demonstrates increasing international confidence in East Java’s ability to host sporting events. International participants hailed from Australia, Austria, Brunei Darussalam, Colombia, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. Beyond providing a challenging sporting experience, the MANTRA116 event also delivers broad economic benefits to the community. The presence of thousands of participants and their companions stimulates the hospitality, transport, culinary, tourism services, and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sectors around the event location. Furthermore, Khofifah stressed that MANTRA116 carries an important message regarding environmental conservation. She stated that sports utilising natural areas must go hand in hand with efforts to preserve forests and mountain ecosystems. ‘MANTRA is committed to continuing to contribute to the world of trail running, sport tourism, and the circular economy in East Java and Indonesia,’ she asserted. Governor Khofifah expressed hope that MANTRA116 will continue to develop into an icon of East Java sport tourism while strengthening the province’s image as a host of professional, safe, and world-class international sporting events. Meanwhile, Melinda, a participant in the 10-kilometre category from Ponorogo, said she was enthusiastic about taking part in the 10th edition of MANTRA116. She revealed she had been preparing well in advance to experience running on the Arjuno-Welirang mountain trails. ‘It’s an event I’ve been really looking forward to. The route is challenging, the scenery is incredible, and the atmosphere is very different from other running races,’ she said. MANTRA116 2026 featured six race categories: 116 kilometres, 68 kilometres, 38 kilometres, 34 kilometres, 17 kilometres, and 10 kilometres. All routes traverse the Tahura Raden Soerjo area with the distinctive natural panorama of the Arjuno-Welirang Mountains, which is the main attraction for participants from both home and abroad.