Tri-Isla-Thon: Running Together Across the Gili Islands
Running Together Across the Gili Islands
On the 13th of December, something special happened in the heart of the Gili Matra Marine Park. Before most of the islands were awake, 86 runners—a mix of local residents and international participants—gathered with one shared goal: to take part in the Tri-Isla-Thon, a unique endurance run that connects Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno into one continuous journey of approximately 17 kilometers.
This was not a race defined by podiums, medals, or finishing times. Instead, the Tri-Isla-Thon stood for community, fitness, connection, and support for local education on Gili Air. Among the runners was Oceans 5 Gili Air Instructor Irene, who embraced the challenge—an experience she describes as demanding, inspiring, and deeply rewarding.
A Run Through a Marine Park
The Gili Islands—Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno—are best known for their white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and relaxed island lifestyle. Together they form the Gili Matra Marine Park, a protected area that balances tourism, conservation, and local community life.
The Tri-Isla-Thon offers a completely different way to experience these islands. Instead of viewing them from a boat or underwater, runners explore the entire coastline on foot, feeling the changing terrain, the humidity of the early morning air, and the gradual rise of the sun over the Lombok Strait.
Running across all three islands in one morning is no small achievement. Each island has its own rhythm, surface conditions, and atmosphere—making the Tri-Isla-Thon as mentally engaging as it is physically demanding.
An Early Start on Gili Air
The day began early—very early. At 5:00 a.m., while most of Gili Air was still quiet, runners assembled at the starting point. The sky was just beginning to brighten, and the temperature was still forgiving, offering the most comfortable conditions of the entire run.
Starting on Gili Air set the tone for the event. Known for its community feel and laid-back pace, the island provided a welcoming and encouraging start. Locals waved, fellow runners exchanged smiles, and conversations flowed easily in the first kilometers.
For many participants, including Instructor Irene, this early stage was about finding rhythm rather than speed. The sound of footsteps on sandy paths, the occasional call of morning birds, and the sight of fishing boats preparing for the day created a calm yet energizing atmosphere.
Moving On to Gili Trawangan
After completing the loop around Gili Air, the runners continued toward Gili Trawangan, the largest and busiest of the three islands. The transition marked a noticeable change in both energy and environment.
Gili Trawangan’s wider paths and longer stretches allowed runners to open their stride. At the same time, the island was beginning to wake up—bicycles appeared, staff prepared restaurants, and early-morning beach walkers offered encouragement from the sidelines.
Despite being known for its nightlife, Gili T showed a different face that morning: one of sport, health, and community engagement. The mix of local and international runners was especially visible here, reflecting how sport can bring together people from very different backgrounds around a shared experience.
Instructor Irene later shared that this middle section felt strong and motivating. The group energy helped maintain pace, and the sense of running “together” rather than competing made the kilometers pass quickly.
The Challenge of Gili Meno
The final leg of the Tri-Isla-Thon led runners to Gili Meno, the quietest and most tranquil of the three islands. By the time participants arrived, the clock was moving toward 8:00 a.m., and the sun was fully up.
According to Instructor Irene, this was where the run truly became challenging.
“The last island was the most tiring,” she explained. “The heat and the sun really started to kick in.”
Gili Meno’s peaceful nature means fewer distractions—no busy streets, no crowds—just long stretches of path, open sky, and rising temperatures. Fatigue set in, legs felt heavier, and hydration became critical.
Yet this final section also embodied the spirit of the Tri-Isla-Thon. Runners encouraged each other, slowed down together when needed, and made sure no one was left behind. The focus remained firmly on finishing as a group, not on finishing first.
At around 8:30 a.m., the run came to an end on Gili Meno—smiles, tired legs, and a strong sense of accomplishment all around.
Not About Winning, But About Meaning
What makes the Tri-Isla-Thon special is its philosophy. This event is not about competition. There were no elite categories or prize money. Instead, the emphasis was on:
- Socializing across cultures
- Promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles
- Supporting local education initiatives on Gili Air
- Strengthening community bonds across the islands
In a destination often associated with holidays and leisure, the Tri-Isla-Thon reminds everyone—locals and visitors alike—that the islands are also home to real communities with real needs and shared responsibilities.
By linking sport with social impact, the event gives running a deeper purpose. Every step taken around the islands contributes not just to personal health, but to the future of local children and educational opportunities on Gili Air.
Instructor Irene: A Role Model Beyond Diving
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, instructors are known not only for their diving skills, but also for leading by example above water. Instructor Irene’s participation in the Tri-Isla-Thon reflects exactly that mindset.
As a dive professional, Irene promotes an active, balanced lifestyle—one that includes fitness, mental resilience, and community involvement. Completing a 17-kilometer multi-island run shows the same determination and preparation that she brings to her work underwater.
Her experience also highlights an important message: you don’t need to be a professional athlete to take part. With training, motivation, and the right mindset, challenges like the Tri-Isla-Thon become achievable and enjoyable.
Irene has already set her sights on the future.
She is looking forward to the next Tri-Isla-Thon and has already started training for next year’s run—proof that the event doesn’t just end at the finish line, but inspires long-term commitment to health and fitness.
A Different Way to Experience the Gili Islands
For many participants, the Tri-Isla-Thon offered a completely new perspective on the Gili Islands. Running the full circumference of each island reveals details that are often missed:
- Quiet back paths away from the beaches
- Sunrise reflections over calm seas
- Local life waking up in the early hours
- The physical reality of island distances
It’s an experience that connects people more deeply to the place they live in—or are visiting—transforming familiar islands into a shared challenge and achievement.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
With 86 runners taking part this year, the Tri-Isla-Thon is clearly growing. The mix of local and international participants shows strong community support and increasing awareness of the event’s goals.
As more people become interested in combining sport, social connection, and positive impact, the Tri-Isla-Thon has the potential to become a fixed highlight on the Gili Islands calendar—something people train for, look forward to, and return for year after year.
For Oceans 5 Gili Air and its team, seeing instructors like Irene actively participating reinforces the dive center’s broader philosophy: being part of the island means contributing beyond your own business, supporting health, education, and community initiatives whenever possible.
A Run That Connects More Than Islands
The Tri-Isla-Thon is more than a 17-kilometer run. It’s a reminder that movement brings people together, that community grows through shared effort, and that even in paradise, meaningful challenges have a place.
As the sun rose over Gili Meno and the last runners crossed the finish point, one thing was clear: this wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of training, planning, and anticipation for next year’s Tri-Isla-Thon.
And if Instructor Irene’s enthusiasm is anything to go by, many familiar faces will be back at the starting line at 5:00 a.m., ready once again to run the islands together.