497 Runners From 28 Countries To Participate In Rinjani Marathon

MATARAM, W Nusa Tenggara, May 3 (Antara) - As many as 497 runners from 28 countries have confirmed their participation in the Rinjani 100-K marathon to be held in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, on May 5, 2017. The fifth Rinjani 100-K marathon is expected to boost sports tourism in Lombok Island, Moh Faozal, head of the NTB tourism office, stated here, Tuesday. Of the 497 participants, 304 are from Indonesia and 193 are from other countries. The foreign runners are from Australia, Austria, Brunei Darussalam, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Panama, Malaysia, the Philippines, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the US, Taiwan, the UK, and Vietnam. The number of participants has increased by 40 percent from 400 people last year. The race featuring four categories -- 100 kilometers (km), 60 km, 36 km, and 27 km -- will start from Senaru in North Lombok District and finish in Sembalun, East Lombok District. The Rinjani marathon is considered one of the most challenging long-distance races in Asia and is recorded in the Ultra Trail Mont Blank, Andy Hadianto, chairman of the NTB Sport Committee, remarked. Coinciding with the marathon race, the organizing committee will also hold challenges for local porters who often accompany tourists scaling Mount Rinjani. All participants will be insured and entertained with various traditional art and cultural performances.