Blue Ocean Minang Run 2026 in Padang Set to Become a Sport Tourism Magnet

Padang is preparing to welcome thousands of runners from across the nation. This coastal city in West Sumatra will be the stage for the Blue Ocean Minang Run 2026. This running event offers not just competition, but also an experience exploring Minangkabau landscapes and culture.

Presidential Special Envoy for Youth Development and Artists, Raffi Ahmad, invited running communities throughout Indonesia to attend and enliven the event scheduled for August 2026.

"Activities like this aren't just about the race, but also about togetherness, regional promotion, and pride in the places we have," he said in Jakarta on Monday.

For many, running is no longer just a morning workout in city parks. Around the world, running races have transformed into a Lifestyle and a reason to visit new destinations.

This trend is growing in Indonesia, combining sports, travel, and Cultural Experiences into a single travel package.

"I support BOM Run 2026 and hope many runners from across Indonesia can come to make it lively," he said.

According to Raffi, West Sumatra possesses all the elements needed to host a national-scale Sport Tourism event.

Beautiful natural scenery, living cultural traditions, and culinary richness have long captivated travelers.

"The regional cuisine is considered an attraction that can bring both runners and tourists to visit," he said.

Intergenerational Run Along Padang's Coast

Besides routes stretching through coastal tourist areas, Blue Ocean Minang Run 2026 features a category rarely found in running events: a special 500-meter race for seniors.

Chairman of the organizing committee, Revdi Iwan Syahputra, described this category as a symbol that sports know no age limit.

"This isn't about distance, it's about spirit. We want the Elderly to remain part of the city's sports celebration. BOM Run 2026 is a stage for everyone, across ages," he said.

Senior participants will run leisurely on a flat track along Jalan Samudera, with the start and finish points at Cimpago Beach.

This beach area is known as one of the most popular public spaces in Padang, where residents gather to enjoy the sea breeze and sunset views.

The route was chosen for being relatively senior-friendly while showcasing the city's coastal tourism face to participants.

"The participant target for this category is 1,000 people, consisting of 500 seniors and 500 companions," he said.

Overall, the event targets around 6,000 participants across various categories, from elite runners and public communities to senior participants, both locally, nationally, and internationally.

"This is a new standard for inclusivity in West Sumatra's running events. We want to ensure Padang truly becomes a healthy city for all," he concluded.