Mandiri Jogja Marathon Combines Competition with Tourism Experience

The Mandiri Jogja Marathon (MJM) 2026, themed ‘More Than a Race’, will be held by Bank Mandiri in the Prambanan Temple area, Yogyakarta, combining running competition with a tourism experience. Corporate Secretary of Bank Mandiri Adhika Vista stated that the sport tourism event integrates an international-standard race with tourism experiences, cultural celebrations, social impact, and a journey through Yogyakarta in one integrated series of activities. The ‘More Than a Race’ theme is expressed through four aspects: an iconic running experience, cultural celebration, a trip to Yogyakarta, and social and economic impact. He said MJM 2026 serves as a stage to strengthen the grassroots economy while providing added value for the community and regional economy, acting as a national sport tourism model that delivers social, cultural, and economic value. ‘MJM is an integrated synergy between Bank Mandiri, communities, MSMEs, and the regional government. We want every runner’s step to have a real impact on the environment and society,’ he said. MJM 2026 will be joined by 10,200 runners from 17 countries, making it the largest edition since the event began in 2017, featuring four categories: Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21.097 km), 10K, and 5K Fun Run, on an AIMS-certified course. ‘Through an approach that combines sports, culture, sustainability, and economic empowerment, MJM becomes a benchmark for national sport tourism as well as a celebration of a vibrant and sustainable city, providing added value for the people of Yogyakarta,’ he added. Race Director Pandu Bagus Buntaran explained that the course is designed to pass through Yogyakarta’s cultural landscapes, including Plaosan Temple, the Taruna Monument, and several traditional villages. This year’s finisher medal design features Panggung Krapyak, one of the markers of the Yogyakarta Philosophical Axis designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. ‘Every kilometre at MJM is a journey along the Philosophical Axis, an imaginary line stretching from Panggung Krapyak, through the Yogyakarta Palace, to Tugu Pal Putih. Runners cover the distance while tracing the narrative of Yogyakarta’s civilisation,’ he said. Head of the Yogyakarta Special Region Tourism Office Imam Pratanadi assessed that the Mandiri Jogja Marathon strengthens Yogyakarta’s position as a premier sport tourism destination in Southeast Asia. He said the event boosts tourist visits, extends length of stay, and drives regional economic circulation. ‘MJM proves that sports, culture, and tourism can synergise to move the regional economy, so Yogyakarta benefits from surges in hotel occupancy, culinary spending, and transportation every time this event is held,’ he said. Visa Indonesia Corporate Communications Astri Abyanti expressed support for sport tourism development by encouraging local community involvement and enriching the experience of runners and visitors in Yogyakarta. ‘Events like Mandiri Jogja Marathon show how sport tourism not only attracts visits but also creates broader economic circulation at the local level, from MSMEs to the tourism sector,’ she said.