Jakarta Marathon 2013: Towards a sports tourism world destination

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Jakarta and promoters Inspiro are set to stage the Mandiri Jakarta Marathon (JakMar) 2013 on October 27, 2013, to be centered at the iconic National Monument, popularly called “Monas.” Named the “Festival City Marathon,” the event is expected to launch Jakarta among world’s renowned sports tourism destinations.

At the press conference held on September 30, 2013, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sapta Nirwandar, who also chairs the Jakarta Marathon, stated that ever since registration opened at the Sport & Running Expo Paris Marathon on April 4, 2013, international participants who registered for this event have reached over 900 hailing from 43 countries. “Among these are 17 elite athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Belarus. In total, there are already some 5,800 runners who have registered for the event, and we are expecting a total number of 10,000 runners to run in this marathon. Thus making the Jakarta Marathon 2013 a worldwide attraction,” added Sapta.

Sapta further explained that the course of the marathon had been calibrated and received an official certificate of grade A with an elevation level of 0m/Km from the International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF). “Even though it is the first time for the event to be held in Indonesia, it is already categorized in grade A,” said Sapta.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor, Joko Widodo said that he fully supports the event, stating that the combination of sport and tourism should enhance Jakarta’s promotion in the international world since the event will be covered by international media from all over the globe. “For the purpose of marketing this city, the financial costs entailed are well worth the increase in image and attention of the world,” he added.

In her speech, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu emphasized the benefits that sport tourism events bring with them, where a number have already been conducted in various destinations across the archipelago such as the Tour de Singkarak, the Bintan Triathlon and others. “Just like the New York Marathon, the Paris Marathon, and the Berlin Marathon, such events can have a huge effect in promoting a destination. Therefore, we also have high hopes that the Jakarta Marathon will make its name in the world and that Jakarta will then be more instantly recognized and remembered by more people all over the globe,” she said.

There are 5 categories to be competed in the Jakarta Marathon 2013. They are: the Full Marathon (42.195Km), the Half Marathon (21Km), 10K (10Km), 5K (5Km), and Maratoonz (Children’s Sprint/1.3Km).

The Jakarta Marathon 2013 follows a carefully designed route covering 42.195 Km passing some of the capital city’s most noteworthy landmarks. Runners will be taken pass Jakarta’s 17th century Old Batavia plaza, and other heritage sites, pass historic museums, and Jakarta’s most interesting avenues.

The full marathon will take the following route: Starting at Monas (National Monument), proceeding to Jl.Budi Kemuliaan, Jl.Abdul Muis, Jl.Majapahit, Jl.Gajahmada, Jl.Pintu Besar Selatan, Old Batavia Area, Jl.Hayam Wuruk, Jl.Juanda, the Jakarta Theatre Building (GKJ), Main Post Office, the Catholic Cathedral, the Istiqlal Mosque, Jl.Veteran, pass the Presidential Palace, Jl.Majapahit, Jl.Medan Merdeka Barat, Jl.MH.Thamrin, Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, Jl.Imam Bonjol, Jl.HR.Rasuna Said, Jl.Gatot Subroto, Jl. Asia Afrika, Jl.Hang Tuah, Jl.Sisingamangaraja, Jl.Jend.Sudirman, Jl.MH.Thamrin, and will finish back at the National Monument.

For more information, please log on to: www.thejakartamarathon.com

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