Published: 11:59, October 18, 2026 | Updated: 15:36, October 18, 2026
More than run
By Wang Zhan in Hong Kong
Runners from around the world participate in the “Monkey Forest Ubud Run 2026” in Bali, Indonesia on Oct 18, 2026. (EDMOND TANG/CHINA DAILY)

Approximately 1,700 runners from around the world participated in the “Monkey Forest Ubud Run 2026” on Sunday, traversing tropical forests and rice fields in Bali, Indonesia.

With the theme “More Than Run,” this year’s races were divided into two categories: 5 km and the newly introduced 10-km races.

 

To deepen cultural exchanges and mutual learning between Asian countries and promote the Belt and Road Initiative, China Daily has been organizing the “Run With History” series of events together with other institutions since 2019.

These unique races have been held in some of the most culturally significant locations across Asia — including Ayutthaya in Thailand, Luang Prabang in Laos, Bagan in Myanmar and Bali in Indonesia — with each event a celebration of endurance, cultural heritage, and international friendship.

“Run With History” is more than just a race series; it is a vibrant tapestry of cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.

The event on Sunday was organized by Monkey Forest Ubud and sponsored by China Daily, the RVi Group, and other partners.

China Daily’s Edmond Tang took the photos.

Zhang Zhisheng, consul-general of the People's Republic of China in Denpasar, Indonesia, speaks during an award ceremony after the "Monkey Forest Ubud Run 2026" in Bali, Indonesia, on Oct 18, 2026. (EDMOND TANG/CHINA DAILY)
Zhang Zhisheng (front, third right), consul-general of the People's Republic of China in Denpasar, Indonesia; and Kenrick Lee (front, third left), director of the Business Development (Asia-Pacific) at China Daily, pose with other guests and participants after the "Monkey Forest Ubud Run 2026" in Bali, Indonesia, on Oct 18, 2026. (EDMOND TANG/CHINA DAILY)
Zhang Zhisheng, consul-general of the People's Republic of China in in Denpasar, Indonesia, presents the awards after the "Monkey Forest Ubud Run 2026" in Bali, Indonesia, on Oct 18, 2026. (EDMOND TANG/CHINA DAILY)
Runners pose for a photo with copies of China Daily Global Weekly in front of China Daily's booth after the "Monkey Forest Ubud Run 2026" in Bali, Indonesia, on Oct 18, 2026. (EDMOND TANG/CHINA DAILY)