4,000 Runners Take On Bali's Pandawa Cliffs as Indonesian Military Marks 81st Year

Badung — Around 4,000 runners, including international participants, raced along the limestone hills and southern coastline of Pandawa Beach in Bali on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at PRIMA Trail Run 2026. The event was held by the Indonesian Army's Kodam IX/Udayana regional command to mark the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, known by its Indonesian acronym TNI.

The race was opened by TNI Deputy Commander General Tandyo Budi Revita, accompanied by Kodam IX/Udayana commander Major General Piek Budyakto. Runners competed over 7 km, 15 km and 34 km courses at Pandawa Beach in Kutuh Village, South Kuta, one of Bali's best-known coastal destinations.

The field reflected a broad mix of participants: local residents, running communities, soldiers, police officers, civil servants and overseas visitors.

A demanding course with a view

Simon, a runner from France who joined the 15 km race, said the opening section was off-road and demanding. "But after that it felt truly amazing. The scenery is stunning," he said, describing the organisation as very impressive.

Organisers framed the event as part of a wider push for sport tourism, using Bali's natural landscapes as venues for active travel rather than building dedicated facilities.

Beyond the finish line

Alongside the race, the deputy commander, the regional commander and members of Bali's provincial leadership forum handed over coral seedlings for planting in the waters off Pandawa, in support of marine ecosystem conservation. The command also distributed basic food packages to residents living near the venue.

"Through PRIMA Trail Run 2026, we want to strengthen the bond between the TNI and the people through sport, social care and environmental conservation. We hope this event encourages healthy lifestyles while introducing Bali's tourism potential to the wider public and international audiences," said Colonel Amrizal Nasution, head of public information at Kodam IX/Udayana.

Three services in Bali

The event was planned by Kodam IX/Udayana together with the Air Force's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Air Base, known locally as Lanud, and the Navy's Denpasar Naval Base, or Lanal. The same three-service arrangement was visible at a 5 km fun run in Denpasar on 20 September 2026, which drew about 3,000 participants.

The anniversary theme, "A Strong TNI Together with the People, a Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia," underlined the civic focus of the day. The event closed with medal presentations across all categories.

Sources

• PorosBali
• NusaBali
• Bali Post
• Tribun Bali