At least 2,000 runners expected to be participating in 2018 Mekaki Marathon, the event that would be held in earthquake-stricken Lombok island to resurrect tourism in the island.
Indonesia’s Sports and Youths Minister Imam Nahrawi said that a marathon event was slated for October 28, and hopefully will motivate people in Lombok that affected by disasters.
“This event is expected to motivate people in Lombok that they are strong (to continue their life after the earthquake). The event is also expected to restore international trust upon tourism in Lombok,” the minister said as cited from Xinhua.
Head of Lombok Island tourism office Ispan Junaidi, who was present, said that the marathon would start from Mekaki Beach in the southern part of Lombok, which is not affected by the earthquake.
The marathon will have two categories of 5km and 10km, taking the route alongside Lombok’s southern coastal line. “The marathon will show a different side of Lombok,” he said.
He added that the organising committee would present Mohammad Lalu Zohri, a young national sprinter from Lombok who recently became champion in the U-20 World Championship in Finland for 100m men’s sprint, in the marathon event.