The Setting: Belitung Island and the Geopark Run Series
Belitung (spelled Belitong locally) is an island off Sumatra's east coast, best known for its granite boulder beaches, turquoise water, and status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. [1] It's the kind of place that makes a race feel like a travel experience rather than a timed workout — white-sand coastal roads, rock formations that look like sculptures, and a landscape shaped by 200-million-year-old geology.
The Geopark Run Series operates across multiple Indonesian UNESCO Geopark sites, including Ciletuh and Ijen, using the geopark designation as the organising theme. [1] That series pedigree means this isn't a one-off local fun run — it's part of a structured circuit with institutional knowledge around aid stations, timing, and race-day logistics in remote or semi-remote locations.
The Distances: Three Options, Half Marathon as Headliner
The event offers three distances: a 21.1km half marathon, 10km, and 5km. [1] The half marathon is the primary distance and the one most likely to showcase Belitung's coastal and inland geopark terrain. The 10km and 5km provide accessible entry points for family members or runners who want the Belitung experience without committing to 21km.
Registration and What's Still TBA
Registration has not yet opened as of August 2026. [1] The specific venue within Belitung is also still listed as TBA — the island has several population centres (Tanjung Pandan is the main town), and the exact start/finish location will determine accommodation and transport planning. Check geoparkrun.com for updates.
Getting to Belitung requires a flight into H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport in Tanjung Pandan, which has direct connections from Jakarta (about an hour) and a handful of regional airports. It's not a spontaneous weekend trip for most international runners, but it's straightforward for anyone already travelling in Indonesia.
Should You Watch — or Book?
Don't book yet — registration isn't open and the venue is still unconfirmed. But if you're building a 2027 calendar around destination races with real scenic payoff, the Belitong Geopark Run deserves a watchlist spot. The Geopark Run Series concept, the UNESCO Geopark setting, and the three-distance format make it a credible island race-cation candidate.
The 2027 edition is set for 18 April on Pulau Belitung, Kepulauan Bangka Belitung, Indonesia. [1] Watch geoparkrun.com for registration details.