Singapore, 7 September 2019 – From first-timers to running enthusiasts, there is something for everyone at the Mandiri Bintan Marathon this year. Taking place in the beautiful Bintan Island, the second edition of the Marathon kicks off yesterday with more than 3,000 runners across five categories.
In addition to the 21km Half Marathon and 42km Full Marathon categories for seasoned runners, the crowd favourite 10km category makes a comeback this year by popular demand. In fact, many first-timers are challenging themselves in this category. Industry watchers will also have their eyes on the new 42km Full Marathon Elite category, introduced to challenge elite runners from around the region who have a shorter qualifying time. Another new category – the 3km Family Run – has also been introduced this year, perfect for parents who wish to run with their children. Open to parents/guardians and children aged 4 to 12, this non-competitive fun run the category will include various carnival games throughout the race route, making it even more exciting for the little ones.
The five categories, spanning over two days, have attracted more than 3,000 participants from over 35 countries with the oldest participant aged 75 years old from Singapore. The top three countries with the most participants are Indonesia, Singapore and China. Top runners can look forward to attractive cash prizes totalling up to SGD100,000 (IDR 1 billion).
“Being able to run amidst nature, away from the cityscape is truly a very refreshing change. I had taken part in the marathon last year and it was an awesome run. That’s why I am back this year to participate in the 21km category. I have been training regularly for this run and hope to clock a good timing tomorrow,” shared Jenny Huang, 46, a Mandiri Bintan Marathon’s ambassador who is from Singapore.
This year, the Marathon also coincides with Singapore’s September school holidays. This gives not only individuals but also families with children, the opportunity to extend their stay to enjoy a run-cation in Bintan.
“We are heartened to see such a great turnout for our Mandiri Bintan Marathon. This year, we wanted to expand our reach to include people across all ages. We wanted families to join also and turn this into a run-cation where they could burn some calories and enjoy some quality bonding time just a 60 minutes ferry ride away from Singapore. So, we are glad to see many parents signing up with their little ones for our new 3km Family Run. We are also excited for our first-timers who will be challenging themselves with our popular 10km category and we hope to see many of these faces again at next year’s Marathon too,” said Mr Abdul Wahab, PT Bintan Resort Cakrawala Group General Manager.
“Coming on board as the inaugural title sponsor of Mandiri Bintan Marathon solidifies Mandiri Bank’s aim to elevate the awareness of curated healthy lifestyle habits and regular exercise for a better quality of life. This also cements Mandiri Bank’s commitment to proactively be involved in the development of Indonesia’s tourism sector. We give our full support to communities, industries and sectors that are putting our country on the world map as a prominent well-known international sports tourism destination,” shared Mr Isnaeni Subekti, Mandiri Bank, Government Business Head, Regional 1.
