From sunrise starts to rice field views, the Maybank Bali Marathon 2026 is more than just a run. Here’s everything you need to know before race day.
On your marks! Come 21-23 August 2026, it’s not just the golden sands of Bali heating up, it’s the pavement, too. Every year, the island’s streets become even more alive with the sound of pounding feet and cheering crowds as the Maybank Bali Marathon 2026 returns in full stride.
Now entering its 14th year, the Maybank Bali Marathon has evolved from a niche event into one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent races. The 2025 edition drew more than 13,600 runners from 52 countries to Gianyar, and the 2026 race is set to be even bigger.
Ready to find out why Runner’s World named this one of the “52 Best Races on Earth” in 2016? Keep reading.
Tell us, what is the Maybank Bali marathon?
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First held in 2012, The Maybank Bali Marathon has grown to become one of largest running events in Indonesia. In 2020, it became the country’s first and only Elite Label road race, a designation awarded by World Athletics.
This prestigious status is reserved for events that meet the highest international standards — from route certification by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) to fully closed roads, top-tier safety, medical, and timing systems. It also means it is a global event that draws elite runners to participate.
The 2026 edition promises a world-class race experience paired with the signature warmth, hospitality, and soul of Bali.
What makes the Bali marathon special for serious runners?
The Maybank Bali Marathon is also part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings, a global points-based system for amateur runners aged 40 and up.
Finishers of the 2026 event will have their times automatically counted toward their age group rank, spanning categories from 40 to 44 up to over 80, with the chance to qualify for the Wanda Age Group World Championships.
What should we expect at the Maybank Bali Marathon 2025?
Held in Gianyar Regency, east of Ubud, the Maybank Bali Marathon course is one of the most scenic races in the region. Runners race past quiet rice fields at sunrise, with the scent of incense hanging in the air and glimpses of Balinese life unfolding around them.
While the official 2026 route map hasn’t been released, it’s likely to follow a similar path to past editions, winding through the lush streets of Gianyar and along temple-lined roads. A wave from a local or a smile from someone sweeping their front step makes it feel less like a race, more like a different way to see the Island of the Gods.
It’s a celebration of movement and place, where the journey becomes as meaningful as the finish line.
Where to go and what to do after you cross the finish line?
Once you’ve conquered the Maybank Marathon Bali 2026, stick around. Now that you’ve raced through the island, it’s time to rest, recover, and reward yourself — and we’ve got a few good ideas:
- Check-in and zen out at one of Bali’s best wellness villas. You deserve it!
- Find your flow at the top yoga studios in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Seseh
- Flaunt your post-marathon glow in Pererenan, which was crowned “Asia’s Coolest Neighbourhood” by Time Out in 2024
- Stay at Villa Kapungkur and explore Jimbaran, where golden beaches, cliffside villas, and seafood feasts await on Bali’s southern coast
- Catch some waves and soak up the surf culture in Uluwatu, Bali’s legendary cliffside surf haven.
- Celebrate by the sea with sunset cocktails and daybed lounging at Bali’s best beach clubs
Whether you’re chasing a new personal record or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Maybank Bali Marathon 2026 proves that the best races don’t just move your legs, they also move your spirit.
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