The first and only ‘Elite’ Label Road Race competition in Indonesia, the Maybank Marathon by PT Bank Maybank Indonesia Tbk (Maybank Indonesia), was successfully held with the starting and finishing location at Bali Safari & Marine Park, Gianyar. A total of 13,600 runners from 50 countries participated in the 12th edition of the Maybank Marathon 2023.
The enthusiasm of the runners in the three categories was vibrant, especially during the flag-off at 04:30 WITA for the Marathon category, followed by the Half Marathon category at 05:30 WITA, and the 10K category at 06:00 WITA. Additionally, the flag-off for the wheelchair category held at 06:15 WITA with 50 participants.
As noon approached, the organizers of Maybank Marathon 2023 announced the winners of the race and concluded the ‘Elite’ label road race event sanctioned by World Athletics. This year, Maybank Marathon provided a total prize of Rp2.7 billion for 86 winners, including record breakers.
The winners of Maybank Marathon 2023 announced during a press conference held at Race Village Bali Safari & Marine Park. In the Marathon Open Male category, Geoffrey Kiprotich Birgen from Kenya, with bib number 10215, won with a best time of 02:15:04. In the Marathon Open Female category, Sophy Jepchirchir from Kenya, bib number 22, won with a best time of 02:31:04.
Both male and female winners set new records with times below 02:28:00 for the Marathon Open Male category and 02:33:00 for the Marathon Open Female category. All first-place winners received a cash prize of Rp240,000,000 each and additional bonuses of Rp33,750,000 and Rp67,500,000 for breaking records.
Moving on to the National categories, Nurshodiq with bib number 21288 won the Marathon National Male category with a best time of 02:30:24, while Irma Handayani with bib number 21566 won the Marathon National Female category with a best time of 03:01:44. Each first-place winner in these categories received a cash prize of Rp100,000,000.
These prizes symbolically awarded by President Director of Maybank Indonesia, Taswin Zakaria. Taswin, who also participated in the Half Marathon category, expressed gratitude for the success of Maybank Marathon 2023 and thanked all those who supported the ‘Elite’ label road race event.
“On this occasion, we congratulate all participants who have achieved excellence and received prizes from this year’s ‘Elite’ label road race Maybank Marathon. Our hope is that this achievement can inspire running enthusiasts to achieve the same in the future,” Taswin stated.
Regarding the organization, Taswin also shared his positive impression of the enthusiasm shown by thousands of runners who prepared early in the morning to run on the distinctive running track of Maybank Marathon 2023. Taswin emphasized that Maybank Marathon’s success is not solely due to the higher number of participants, but also the paramount factors of participants’ safety and comfort while running.
Taswin also highlighted the importance for Maybank Indonesia to continually enhance the quality of organizing Maybank Marathon, as this event has earned the distinction of being an ‘Elite’ label road race event sanctioned by World Athletics. This achievement has placed Maybank Marathon and Indonesia on the global athletic stage, especially in the field of marathon running.
“On behalf of the entire Maybank Marathon 2023 committee, we extend our thanks to the participants who took part in the race responsibly, and to the on-field personnel including security teams, medical staff, pacers, and marshals who remained vigilant along the route. Additionally, the continuous support from the local community, cheering on the runners throughout the Maybank Marathon 2023 course, added to the lively atmosphere,” Taswin explained.
The organization of Maybank Marathon 2023 received support from various entities, including the Provincial Government of Bali, Bali Provincial Police, Indonesian Red Cross Bali Province, Gianyar District Government, Gianyar District Military Command 1616, Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI), sponsors, and media partners.