Dili International Marathon Turns 10 ! Timor-Leste Runs to Protect Its Forests and Wildlife

Image : Dili International Marathon 2026

Sapnews Pro, Dili: The Presidency of the Republic held the Dili International Marathon 2026 for the 10th time under the theme “Love Our Forests & Our Wildlife,” a major event in which national and international athletes participated, totaling one thousand nine hundred.

The Dili International Marathon (DIM) is in its 10th edition, with the theme “Love our forests and our wildlife,” aiming to inspire the public that protecting the country’s biodiversity, preserving the sea, and promoting a healthy lifestyle is not only the government’s duty, but a collective responsibility essential for the health, wellbeing, and future of all Timorese citizens.

President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta stated that many Timorese people took part in the event, along with foreigners, international media, and a representative from the Asian Athletics Federation from Qatar.

“I am very pleased to take part in this event, through this marathon we can show the world of athletics that Timor-Leste also has the capacity to organize a major event, not only for sport but also to promote tourism,” said Head of State José Ramos-Horta at Aitarak-Laran Presidential Palace, 08/07/2026.

Horta emphasized that a marathon event must follow international rules, and not just anyone can organize one, “so that we can bring in international technical officials to carry out oversight in our country, because our marathon is now on the world calendar recognized by world athletics.”

“The Dili International Marathon is dedicated to protecting our forests; we must not cut down trees indiscriminately, especially during this dry season, and must not burn land carelessly, because if we lose our forests we also lose our water springs, which will dry up.”

Ramos-Horta also called on the whole community not to arbitrarily kill wildlife, especially civets in the forest, and to protect their lives, because civet droppings can be sold on the market through coffee.

“I also ask that people not arbitrarily kill wild animals such as civets, because they produce civet coffee, which sells for a higher price — in Hong Kong, 1kg costs over US$500. With this, I ask all of us not to kill wild animals arbitrarily, but let them live in the forest. In the past there were many cockatoos, but now they are gradually disappearing, so we must continue to love our land, our forests, and all our wildlife.”

The Head of State added, “This marathon and other sports programs serve as exercise for the whole of society to walk, those aged 40 and above should walk more than 30 minutes, while young people can engage in various kinds of sports.”

Women’s winner, Wang Jiali from China, expressed her happiness at taking part in the event and became the winner of the 42-kilometer distance, noting that she saw a different culture in Timor-Leste.

“This competition is really great; I saw something very different. It wasn’t difficult. I saw that the people of Timor-Leste always fight to win and are truly strong.”

Athlete Zhang Bangliu, representing China, expressed joy at taking part and thanked Timor-Leste for organizing this international event very well and successfully.

“I am very happy to have received this invitation from Timor-Leste. I am proud to have become champion. This marathon is very well positioned, and the organizers did an excellent job organizing it. I hope to come back again in the future represented China,” Zhang Bangliu emphasized.

Timorese winner, Felisberto de Deus, thanked the initiative of President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta for holding this international marathon event, bringing together national and international athletes.

“I thank the President of the Republic for initiating this event. This event can promote our beloved country, Timor-Leste, to the world through sport. Sport is not about competing to win, but about how, through participation, we can maintain good health and prepare for our future,” he said in thanks.

Meanwhile, DIM 2026 had a total participation of 1,900 international and national athletes, and the event greatly energized the community while promoting Timor-Leste to the world through sport.