BALINEWS.ID – The streets of Kuta came alive once again as Mamaka Fun Run Vol. II took over the coastline with more than 700 runners joining forces to run for a purpose, transforming every mile into smiles for Bali’s children. Since its launch, 100 percent of registration fees from Mamaka Fun Run participants have gone directly to the Bali Children Foundation (BCF), turning every step, drop of sweat, and stride into meaningful change for underprivileged children across the island.

This year, participants witnessed that impact firsthand through the story of Giri, a Bali-born student whose journey reflects the power of this partnership. Supported by BCF and trained at Mamaka, Giri studied hospitality at Elizabeth International School and, just a day before the Fun Run, proudly graduated from college. She now works at Mamaka as a daily worker, living proof of what community-driven initiatives can achieve.

“I’m so thankful to BCF and Mamaka for giving me the chance to study, grow, and now stand on my own,” Giri said, beaming with pride.

“I just graduated yesterday, and today I get to celebrate it with everyone here. It’s an amazing feeling,” she added.

Giri’s journey has inspired six more BCF students currently training at Mamaka, all following in her footsteps. For Joel Bartlett, Area General Manager of Mamaka Southeast Asia, this is what the event truly stands for.

“Seeing Giri here with her cap, her smile, and her story, that’s the real finish line,” Bartlett said. “Every kilometre our runners complete makes a difference. That’s what Miles for Smiles is all about.”

Margaret Barry, Founder of Bali Children Foundation, echoed this sentiment, “Our mission goes beyond books and classrooms,” she said. “We help children grow academically, emotionally, and mentally. With Mamaka’s support, Bali’s youth can dream bigger and achieve more.”

The youngest finisher of the day, six-year-old Kay, completed his first-ever 5K in just 35 minutes alongside his parents, proving that kindness, energy, and good spirit know no age limit.

Before the run, Fitness Plus Indonesia got the crowd moving with an energetic warm-up session, followed by plank and push-up challenges for post-race prizes. Meanwhile, Pocari Sweat kept all runners refreshed throughout the morning.

The scenic 5K and 10K routes along Kuta’s coastline offered more than just a view, they reignited the spirit of one of Bali’s most iconic beaches.

“Kuta is everyone’s first love,” said Bartlett. “This run is about bringing that spark back, showing the world that Kuta is still alive, still glowing, and still full of stories worth running for.”

With over 25,000 children supported by BCF across Indonesia, and many in Bali directly impacted through Mamaka’s initiative, this movement continues to grow stronger each year. Mamaka has already set its sights on surpassing 1,000 runners in 2026, promising even greater impact.

Miles for Smiles. Vibes for Good. That’s the Mamaka way.

Mamaka extended heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors, Adidas Indonesia, Kanmo, Rip Curl, Rip Curl School of Surf, Waterbom, Fitness Plus, Amazfit, Happy Time, Bali Sport Timing, Pocari Sweat, Fotoyu, and LPM Kuta Beach, as well as to running communities Indorunners Bali, CCRC, HOTR, Hore, Kantorun, Gianyar Runners, Shuffle & Strides, SRB, Lalalele, and PTB, whose passion and energy made every kilometre count.

About Mamaka by Ovolo

Perched on the golden shores of Kuta Beach, Mamaka by Ovolo is Bali’s first urban resort, blending tropical soul with a vibrant, contemporary edge. Part of the award-winning Ovolo Hotels Group, Mamaka redefines the Kuta experience with its bold design, ocean-view rooms, rooftop infinity pool, and signature dining at Street 32.

More than just a resort, Mamaka stands as a community catalyst, regularly organizing beach clean-ups, wellness events, and charity collaborations that uplift Bali’s local communities. Through initiatives like the Mamaka Fun Run, the resort channels its playful energy into meaningful social impact, empowering youth, promoting sustainability, and celebrating Bali’s vibrant culture.

At Mamaka, guests are encouraged to “Stay Bold, Stay Different,” experiencing the island’s iconic surf-town vibe through the lens of creativity, wellness, and connection.

About Bali Children Foundation (BCF)

Founded in 2002 by Margaret Barry OAM DSJ, the Bali Children Foundation (BCF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. The foundation provides educational support to disadvantaged children and communities in Bali, Nusa Lembongan, Lombok, and surrounding islands,  guiding them from schooling to employment.

BCF’s programs include school scholarships, English literacy, IT training, vocational education, and university pathways, ensuring students not only finish their studies but also gain the skills needed for sustainable employment. The foundation’s reach extends to over 25,000 children, transforming lives one village at a time.

Beyond education, BCF also responds to natural disasters, offering long-term community recovery programs. Its strong partnerships with local governments, schools, and organizations, including Mamaka by Ovolo, have strengthened its mission to build a future where every Balinese child has access to learning, opportunity, and hope. (*)