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Maybank Bali Marathon

Run Through Bali's Cultural Heartland

One of Asia's most scenic road races, the Maybank Bali Marathon draws thousands of runners from around the world. The course winds through Gianyar's villages, rice fields, and ancient temples, offering a full marathon, half marathon, and shorter distances against a backdrop of authentic rural Bali.

The Maybank Bali Marathon is the island's flagship long-distance running event and one of the best-known marathons in Southeast Asia. Each year it attracts thousands of participants — from elite international athletes to first-time fun-runners — who come to race through the cultural heartland of Bali in the Gianyar regency.

What sets the race apart is its course. Rather than city streets, runners pass through traditional villages, emerald rice paddies, and past centuries-old temples, often cheered on by local communities, school children, and gamelan groups performing along the route. It is regularly described as one of the most beautiful and culturally rich marathon experiences anywhere.

The event offers several distances — typically a full marathon (42.195 km), a half marathon (21 km), and shorter 10 km and 5 km categories — so runners of all levels can take part. Because Bali is hot and humid, the race starts very early in the morning, with elite and full-marathon runners setting off before dawn to beat the heat.

Entry is by paid registration through the official Maybank Bali Marathon website, and places — particularly for the marathon and half marathon — can sell out, so sign up well ahead. Spectating is free; line the route or wait near the finish to soak up the atmosphere. Many runners build a whole Bali holiday around the event.

Highlights

  • ✓ A scenic course through Gianyar's villages, rice fields, and temples
  • ✓ Full marathon, half marathon, plus 10 km and 5 km distances
  • ✓ Local communities and gamelan groups cheering along the route
  • ✓ Thousands of runners from across the world each year
  • ✓ An early pre-dawn start to beat Bali's tropical heat
  • ✓ One of the most culturally rich marathons in Asia

Practical information

Location
Gianyar, Bali
Admission
Paid race registration via the official Maybank Bali Marathon website; spectating along the route is free.
Best time
Race morning starts before dawn — be in position early for the start and the cool air.
Category
Sport

Tips for visitors

  • • Register early on the official Maybank Bali Marathon website — popular distances sell out.
  • • Train for heat and humidity; even the early start can be warm and sticky.
  • • Stay in or near Gianyar, Ubud, or Sanur for the easiest race-morning logistics.
  • • Arrive a few days early to acclimatise and collect your race pack on time.
  • • Hydrate well and use the on-course water stations — the tropics are demanding.
  • • Spectators: pick a village viewpoint along the route for a great atmosphere.
  • • Build in rest days afterwards to enjoy Bali's beaches and spas.

Plan around this event