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Race travel
Dili International Marathon: where to stay and how to get there
The race starts before sunrise at the Presidential Palace and follows the waterfront to Cristo Rei and back. Stay close to the start, land a day or two early, and keep a few days for Atauro or the mountains.
42.195 km
World Athletics certified course
4:45 AM
First muster on race day in 2026
411
Chip-timed finishers in 2026
Date to be announced
Next race
Where to stay
Stay within walking distance of the start
Roads around the course close early on race morning. These are the stays closest to the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, nearest first, measured in a straight line.
0.6 km from the start
1.2 km from the start
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1.3 km from the start
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1.4 km from the start
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1.7 km from the start
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1.8 km from the start
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Before you fly
Race-week checklist
Book your airport transfer
The airport is 6 km west of central Dili. A pre-booked driver meets you at arrivals, which helps if you land late in race week.
Collect your bib in person
In 2026, bibs were collected from 5 to 7 August at the FTA headquarters (GMT Building, behind the National University). Bring photo ID. The organisers publish each year’s days.
dilimarathon.tlPlan race morning around road closures
Police close the roads along the course. Inside the closed area, runners walk to the start. Drivers dropping runners off use the approach on the official map, and there is parking behind the Presidential Palace.
dilimarathon.tlCheck your entry rules
Many passports get a visa on arrival or visa-free entry. Check the rules for yours before you fly.
Make a trip of it
After the race
Most runners fly in for the race alone. Stay a few days: a boat to Atauro, a sunrise on Mount Ramelau, or a day at Jaco Island.
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Mount Ramelau Sunrise Trek (2 Days)
Ainaro2 daysIsland Explorer Holidays
TrekkingChallengingMax 10Pickup
Summit of Mt Ramelau (2,963 m), Timor-Leste's highest peak
4.8(12 · Google)
$160per personMinimum 3 guests, from $480
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Atauro Snorkel Trip
Atauro IslandUp to 1 dayMysaffy Atauro Island Adventures
SnorkellingEasy
$50per personMinimum 2 guests, from $100
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Jaco Island & Tutuala Tour (2 Days)
Jaco Island2 daysIsland Explorer Holidays
ExpeditionModerateMax 10Pickup
Pristine uninhabited Jaco Island
4.8(12 · Google)
$160per personMinimum 3 guests, from $480
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Common questions
When is the next Dili International Marathon?
The President has announced an 11th edition for 2027. The organisers have not published the date yet. It will appear on the official site and on this page.
Where does the Dili Marathon start?
In 2026 the race started and finished at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, on a flat course along the waterfront to Cristo Rei and back. The organisers confirm the course each year.
Which hotels are closest to the start?
The stays at the top of this page are the closest on Rezerva, nearest first. Several are within 2 km, close enough to walk on race morning.
Which races can I enter?
In 2026 there were four: the full marathon (42.195 km), the half marathon (21.1 km), a 10 km para event and a free, untimed 5 km fun run. Entries are made through the official site.
Race details are from the organisers’ site, dilimarathon.tl. Check it for anything that changes.