Padang Pariaman barefoot race draws 2,000 runners, spurs sport tourism

The Padang Pariaman Regency in West Sumatra hosted Indonesia's first barefoot running race on Sumatra, holding the event on Katapiang Beach. About 2,000 participants from across Indonesia and abroad ran shoeless along the shoreline.

Regent John Kenedy Azis said the race demonstrates the region’s potential as a sports‑tourism destination and highlighted the direct boost to local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and MSMEs. Tourism, Youth and Sports Agency head Anton Wira Tanjung noted the event was originally planned as a regional race but quickly attracted wider interest. Participant Imelda urged organizers to make the race an annual event, citing health and recreational benefits.

Officials plan to continue hosting similar sports events to attract tourists and stimulate economic growth in Padang Pariaman.