Sleman Temple Run #11 Invites Runners to Explore Cultural Heritage in the Ratu Boko Palace Area

Hundreds of Indonesian and international runners participated in the annual international trail run , the Sleman Temple Run 2026, which was successfully held on Sunday, August 22, 2026. Themed " Running Around Temples," the event featured a running experience that took in several cultural heritage sites and tourist destinations in the Prambanan and East Sleman areas.

Organized by the Sleman Regency Government through the Tourism Office in collaboration with Trail Runners Yogyakarta, the 2026 Sleman Temple Run is part of the development of sports tourism in Sleman Regency.

This event, which is entering its 11th year, combines running activities with a journey across a number of cultural heritage sites and tourist destinations, starting from Banyunibo Temple, Ijo Temple, Barong Temple, Ratu Boko Palace, Miri Temple, Gupala Statue, Riyadi Spot to Breksi Cliff.

The 2026 Sleman Temple Run also demonstrated how sports can serve as a platform to introduce tourism and cultural heritage to tourists. Along the course, participants not only enjoyed the sporting challenge but also gained experience exploring the cultural landscape and tourism potential of the East Sleman region. 

The atmosphere of the event was further enhanced by the presence of various traditional arts performances throughout the event, from Jathilan Kudho Song Pace and the Sembagi Aruntala Dance to dance and gamelan performances from the Jaghadhita studio, which welcomed participants at various points throughout the area. The involvement of the arts community and local residents provided a cultural flavor that complemented participants' experience exploring the destination.

Several international runners also participated in the event, including runners from Poland and Portugal. The presence of participants from various regions and countries demonstrates the appeal of this event, which not only relies on sporting challenges but also offers the experience of exploring historical, cultural, and natural destinations in one journey. 

This event re-envisions the synergy between sports, tourism, cultural heritage, arts, and the local community in one integrated experience. This series of activities also strengthens the tourism potential of the Prambanan and East Sleman areas as sports tourism destinations offering experiences beyond just sporting activities.

The involvement of cultural destinations and community members is one way to develop tourism experiences that utilize the region's richness sustainably. Combining sports activities and cultural heritage exploration, the Sleman Temple Run provides a unique opportunity for tourists to experience the Prambanan and East Sleman areas.