"This is our commitment to carry out President Joko Widodo`s orders to create a new Bali. Apart from the Borobudur Marathon, to be held on Nov 17-18, in future, we will continue to hold other international-scale events in the Borobudur area," Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo stated during a telephonic conversation here on Thursday.
Pranowo also expressed hope that such tourism activities, including sports tourism, held in Borobudur would raise the number of domestic and foreign tourist visits to the area, ultimately reaching the targeted figure.
The governor noted that the Borobudur Marathon is one of the most highly awaited events as was apparent by 10 thousand tickets being sold out within hours.
"The public`s enthusiasm towards the Borobudur Marathon is very high," he pointed out.
In fact, he revealed that many of those keen on participating failed to get a ticket, as all were sold out quickly.
"For those who did not manage to get a ticket, I urge you to not be discouraged. There will be another sports event called the Friendship Run a day before the 2018 Borobudur Marathon. The route will span 3.7 kilometers. Please join and bring your family along, so you can exercise and have a bit of fun," he stated.
He further added that the 2018 Borobudur Marathon is not merely a sports event, as it also combines the local wisdom, culture, and tourism by involving the community around the area of the Borobudur Temple.
"You should not be surprised when you run in the Borobudur Marathon. There will be residents who distribute fried tempeh, `peyek,` and other food to participants on the roadside," he noted.
Meanwhile, 2018 Borobudur Marathon Project Leader Sri Aswito Zainul noted that the event will be followed by national-level runners and foreign participants.
"Until now, many runners from 28 countries, including Malaysia, Kenya, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Japan, and Czechoslav, have confirmed their participation in the marathon," he added.
Reporting by Wisnu Adhi Nugroho
Editing by Aria Cindyara
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
