International Sports Events Attracting More Fitness-Loving Tourists To Bali In 2026

Share The Article

Bali is still reeling from the huge success of the Sanur Bali International Half Marathon that was held on Sunday, 8th February.

With fitness and fun still on everyone’s minds, the island’s leaders are now looking to build on this sporting success throughout 2026, in ways that will benefit both local communities and the 7 million international tourists set to visit the province this year. 

The Sanur Bali International Half Marathon was so much more than a race. The community-based run was one of the most accessible and inclusive sporting occasions in Bali in recent history. The event featured a 5km, a 10km, and a half-marathon, which is 21km.

The route passed through the wonders of Sanur, featuring coastal paths, newly upgraded urban areas, and iconic spots in Bali’s oldest beach resort that showcase the best of the island’s art, culture, and heritage. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Body Factory Bali (@bodyfactory_bali)

The event was attended by nearly 5,000 runners from 30 countries. Perhaps what’s even more impressive is that organisers calculated that 15,000 people came out in support of the runners, with specialists including both local community members and tourists.

The event was organised by Raja Lari, in partnership with iconic local hotel Prama Sanur Beach Resort. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FLOWERBOY (@flowerboy.studio)

General Manager of Prama Sanur Beach Resort, I Gusti Bagus Surya, told reporters that the event is part of his company’s ongoing contribution to supporting tourism and international events in Bali, particularly in Sanur.

He shared, “This is a development of the previous event in 2025, the Sanur KulineRun. Now we’ve upgraded it to a half-marathon.” Adding “Basically, we have to start caring about this situation. So, through this event, we hope to increase tourist confidence in Bali, especially in Sanur.”

He noted, “This collaboration aims to present a professional, safe, and sustainable running event, while also providing an optimal running experience for participants, both from within the country and abroad.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Yoga Barn, Bali (@theyogabarn)

In 2026 and beyond, sports events such as the Sanur Half Marathon will become the core driver for many thousands of tourists to visit Bali.

Many will fly in especially to participate in a sports event and subsequently organise a vacation or a few days of travel either side of the main spectacle. 

Bali, once a destination synonymous with holidaymakers seeking sun, sea, and sand, or travellers seeking deep cultural immersion, is becoming increasingly popular with tourists who want a vacation filled with fitness and wellness activities.

From running to padel, surfing to yoga, tourists often find themselves working out more rigorously on vacation in Bali than when they are at home. It’s not hard to see why Bali not only has an incredible range of sports facilities, but they are also world-class in terms of quality. Not to mention affordability!

Running is having a real cultural moment in Bali. It’s an activity that is proving increasingly popular with both local communities, international residents, and tourists, and is a valuable tool for social cohesion and integration.

Run clubs are popping up left and right and centre, the most popular of which can be found in and around Canggu, Seseh, and Ubud.

FLOWERBOY Run Club in Seseh, for example, which meets every Wednesday and Sunday, has a loyal community who come together for a 5km and 10km run, whatever the weather. 

It’s not only road running that is gathering momentum in Bali, but trail running too. In fact, the sport is taking Indonesia by storm. Bali’s biggest trail running event will be returning to the slopes of Mount Batur in Kintamani in just a few months’ time.

The BTR Ultra will be held from 15th to 17th May 2026, with registration now open. Trial options range from 6km through to the 106km ultra marathon, and this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet.