This year’s ticket sales for the Mandiri Bintan Marathon, organized by Bintan Resorts and iSport, have been an outstanding success, and with all tickets sold out. A remarkable 2,400 runners registered, prompting the closure of registration a week prior to the event. Almost 80 percent of the participants are from Indonesia, although a significant number also hail from Singapore and Malaysia, drawn by Bintan’s stunning scenery and its strategic location in Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province. The event offers a range of categories that accommodate participants of all ages and skill levels, starting with the 3K Fun Run designed for children running alongside their parents, and extending to the 5K Fun Run for those seeking an added challenge. Additionally, competitive categories of 10K, 21K, and 42K are available for both professional and amateur runners.
Backed by the strong support of Mandiri Bank as its main sponsor, the Mandiri Bintan Marathon is rapidly becoming a must-attend event in the sport tourism arena. Nestled in a breathtaking tropical paradise, this marathon not only offers an exhilarating competitive experience but also enhances Bintan’s reputation as a premier sport tourism destination in Southeast Asia.
“The Mandiri Bintan Marathon this year highlights Bintan’s exceptional potential as a leading sport tourism destination. With 2,400 runners hailing from various regions, we’re thrilled to position Bintan as a vibrant gathering place for both local and international running communities,” stated Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer of Bintan Resorts. This event, renowned for its past successes, goes beyond just a running challenge; it offers participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking tropical landscape and rich local culture over two exciting days from November 2-3, 2024.
“Ticket sales for the Mandiri Bintan Marathon, also supported through Livin’ Sukha in Livin by Mandiri, that also providing accommodation purchasing with special offers while staying at Bintan, to create excitement from participants and tourists,” stated Nina Sukanti Ekawati, SVP Corporate Banking 1 of Mandiri Bank. This year, ticket purchases also come with exclusive accommodation offers at the Four Points by Sheraton and enticing travel packages to iconic attractions across Bintan Island, making it the perfect time to experience this tropical paradise.
The Mandiri Bintan Marathon is not just a race; it’s a vibrant event that significantly uplifts small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region. With Mandiri Bank’s support for up to 100 local businesses, particularly in the culinary sector, the marathon creates a thriving marketplace for participants and visitors alike. “To streamline and modernize transactions, we are leveraging the Livin’ Merchant program by Mandiri Bank, a cutting-edge point-of-sale application that seamlessly integrates QRIS payments,” said Nina. This innovative system enables SMEs to accept payments from various bank accounts and e-wallets, enhancing convenience for buyers and boosting transaction efficiency. Plus, participants can take advantage of exclusive promotions for transactions made with Livin Points, Credit/Debit Cards, or QRIS Livin, which are available not only during the Mandiri Bintan Marathon but also until December 31, 2024, for selected programs,” she added.
Mandiri Bank envisions this event as a pivotal opportunity to elevate SMEs in Bintan. By showcasing local entrepreneurs, we aim to deliver an exhilarating culinary experience for visitors while bolstering the local economy. “The inclusion of SMEs is key to driving local economic growth and ensuring the sustainability of micro-enterprises in Bintan. This not only enhances the event but also reinforces Bintan’s status as a premier tourism destination,” Nina emphasized.
“Meanwhile, Pandu Bagus Buntaran, Race Director from iSport, highlighted that runners, whether from near or far, are in for an incredible experience on Bintan Island. Participants will have the chance to hit the track alongside motivational public figures who champion an active lifestyle, including Sally Tanudjaja, Awkarin, Dara Arafah, Sarah Gibson, and Chaidir Akbar,” he said with enthusiasm.
Ahdi Muqsith, Acting Regent of Bintan, emphasized that the Mandiri Bintan Marathon has successfully drawn over 5,000 visitors and participants in the past. This year, the event has significantly increased hotel occupancy rates to 90% and invigorated local transportation and SME sectors. Such achievements not only reinforce Bintan’s standing as a premier sport tourism destination in Indonesia but also elevate the country’s appeal in the global tourism market. The Bintan Regency Government remains steadfast in its commitment to support additional international sports events, aimed at boosting tourism and fostering local economic growth, while providing a comfortable and environmentally friendly competitive atmosphere in this renowned tourist area.
This statement is reinforced by Guntur Sakti, the Head of the Tourism Office of the Riau Islands Province, who stated, “Bintan Resorts was awarded as a sustainable tourism destination in Indonesia in 2022. Therefore, every sport tourism event in Bintan Resorts always provides an eco-friendly ecosystem, free from pollution, and boasts stunning natural scenery.” He also added that the Mandiri Bintan Marathon not only focuses on the number of participants but also on the quality of the experience provided to all participants.
