Dili, October 11 (AseanAll) — 2025 Dili International Marathon under the theme “Run for Palestine,” on October 11, 2025 successfully united thousands of national and international runners in a powerful display of solidarity with the people of Palestine. The event also celebrated Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
An initiative of Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, the marathon was organized by the Presidency of the Republic of Timor-Leste in collaboration with the IX Constitutional Government—through the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture—and the Athletics Federation of Timor-Leste. The race commenced at the prestigious Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
The Dili International Marathon remains a key priority of President Ramos-Horta’s 2022-2027 mandate, aiming to strengthen peace, promote tourism, and raise the nation’s international profile.
As Patron of the event, Ramos-Horta addressed participants before raising the start flag. “Good luck to all who participate in this marathon. This is a marathon of sports, solidarity, brotherhood, and peace. I invite all of you to support the participants with kindness, education, and enthusiasm. That is what matters most.”
This year’s marathon featured multiple race categories: the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.098 km), para-athletics (10 km), and a 3 km fun run for families and communities. Participation was strong across all categories, with 26 athletes in the full marathon, 221 in the half marathon, 42 in the para-athletics, and thousands in the 3 km fun run. All races started and finished at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, symbolizing national unity and democratic values.
Ramos-Horta presided over the awards ceremony, honoring winners in national and international divisions. A summary of winners is as follows:
•Full Marathon (42.195 km): Ten national male, four national female, three international male, and two international female winners.
•Half Marathon (21.098 km): Ten national male, ten national female, three international male, and three international female winners.
•Para-Athletics (10 km): Five male and five female winners.
Door prizes were also awarded to participants of the 3 km fun run.
In his closing remarks, Ramos-Horta reflected on the event’s dual significance.
“The 2025 Dili International Marathon is one of the greatest we have organized, with a fair displaying food from different ASEAN countries, including Timor-Leste. It celebrates Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession—one of several national initiatives leading up to and beyond October 26th, building upon the Prime Minister’s extensive outreach. It also allows us to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.”
Ramos-Horta added, “My profound gratitude goes to the embassies who are always present with us in every initiative we make, the Presidency, our commercial partners, and the organizers—especially thank you to the Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, the Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; and the Athletics Federation of Timor-Leste, which achieves so much with limited resources. Thank you to the thousands of participants, and congratulations to all the winners. Your spirit is what truly makes this event a great success.”
Established in 2010, the Dili International Marathon promotes health, wellness, and tourism by bringing together local and international participants in a celebration of sport and resilience.
For the full list of winners from each race category, visit the official website at www.dilimarathon.tl or follow the event’s official social media channels.
