Lombok, IO – More than 9,000 runners from Indonesia and around the world gathered in Lombok on July 11–12 for Pocari Sweat Run Lombok 2026, turning the iconic Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit into a unique racecourse that combined world-class motorsport facilities with Lombok’s stunning landscapes and rich local culture.
This year’s event introduced the Ultimate Dual Experience, offering participants two distinct race-day atmospheres over the weekend:
July 11: The festivities kicked off on Saturday with the Sunset Run, where runners completed a scenic lap around the circuit as the sun set. The evening continued with a surprise appearance by musician Ariel Noah, who arrived in a Pocari Sweat-liveried race car, followed by a live performance from Indonesian band Wali.
July 12: The excitement continued on Sunday with the Sunrise Run, where participants were warmly welcomed by Lombok’s cultural performances and traditional cuisine at the finish line.
According to Puspita Winawati, Marketing Director of PT Amerta Indah Otsuka, the event has grown much more than just a running competition. “This year, 9,200 runners from 325 cities and regencies across Indonesia took part, with 72 percent traveling from outside Lombok,” she said. “Held during the school holiday season, the event is expected to generate around Rp95 billion in local economic activity. Many participants came with their families and supporters, helping boost hotel occupancy and local businesses.”
The event was also praises by Indonesia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports for expanding access to running events in central and eastern Indonesia.
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat said the government fully supports initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles through sport tourism.
“Positioning Lombok as a running hub for central and eastern Indonesia is a strategic step toward making sporting events more accessible while promoting active lifestyles across the country,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa highlighted the role of sport tourism in driving high-quality tourism. “Events like this do more than promote sports. They attract visitors, extend their length of stay, increase hotel occupancy, support local small businesses, and create real economic benefits for local communities,” she said.
She added that Lombok has proven to be an unusually attractive destination for runners, with participants coming from across Indonesia as well as 21 countries, helping introduce the island to a global audience.
The West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government also welcomed the event’s economic impact. Hotels around Mandalika reported strong occupancy during the race weekend, while local transportation providers and small businesses experienced increased demand.
Governor Lalu Muhammad Iqbal praised Pocari Sweat for choosing Lombok as the host for the second consecutive year. “This collaboration has boosted hotel occupancy, strengthened local businesses, and demonstrated that West Nusa Tenggara has the infrastructure needed to host large-scale international events,” he said.
The Mandalika was selected as the venue thanks to its modern infrastructure and distinctive race route, which combines the internationally renowned Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit with coastal roads, rolling hills, and Lombok’s scenic natural landscapes.
Troy Warokka, Operations Director of InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), said the event proved the versatility of The Mandalika beyond motorsports. “We’re proud to see the circuit transformed into a unique running venue, allowing participants to enjoy a safe and memorable experience while taking in the beauty of The Mandalika at both sunrise and sunset,” he said.
He added that the event reinforces The Mandalika’s position as The Ultimate Lifestyle Sportstainment Destination, capable of hosting not only international motorsport competitions but also a wide range of sporting, tourism, and lifestyle events.
The race weekend officially began on July 10 with race pack collection, followed by Saturday’s 4.3-kilometer Sunset Run. Sunday’s main races featured the marathon (42K), half marathon (21K), and 10K categories.
Southeast Asian marathon record holder Robi Syianturi praised the course despite its challenging elevation. “It was my first time running in Lombok, and I was impressed by the beautiful scenery. The elevation was demanding, but there were plenty of hydration stations,” he said.
Celebrity chef Arnold Poernomo, who completed the half marathon, agreed. “Running in Lombok is the true definition of sport tourism. Next time I race here, I’ll definitely bring my family so they can cheer me on while enjoying everything in Lombok,” he said.
Pocari Sweat Run Lombok 2026 was supported by Indonesia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government, the Central Lombok Regency Government, and a wide range of corporate partners.
Following the success of the Lombok race, Pocari Sweat is now preparing for Pocari Sweat Run Indonesia 2026, scheduled for September. The hybrid event is expected to bring together runners from across the country, allowing participants to join either on-site or virtually in Indonesia’s largest hybrid running event. (rp)
