DILI, 22 April 2026 (TATOLI) – Australia’s National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) is supporting the 2026 Dili International Marathon, scheduled for August 8 in Dili, Timor-Leste.
The event, now in its 10th edition, is one of Timor-Leste’s longest-running international sporting competitions and is expected to bring together runners from the country and abroad. It has developed into a platform promoting community participation, public health, and international engagement.
“We are pleased to announce that Australia’s National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) is supporting the 2026 Dili International Marathon,” said in a statement.
As one of Timor-Leste’s longest-running international sporting events, the Dili International Marathon has become an important platform for community participation, national pride and international engagement.
The President of the Republic on Tuesday welcome NCCTRC delegation from Darwin: “The NCCTRC are amongst the top emergency response units anywhere around the world. We are proud to work alongside them in making this years race the best ever.”.
NCCTRC’s support reflects the strong and enduring relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste and a shared commitment to regional cooperation, resilience and people-to-people links. Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbours and friends with deep and longstanding ties, and Australia’s partnership with Timor-Leste is focused on promoting prosperity, stability and resilience while building strong links between the two countries.
Through its contribution to the 2026 Dili International Marathon, NCCTRC is proud to support an event that not only promotes health and wellbeing, but also highlights the value of practical collaboration between neighbouring countries. In supporting this major international event, NCCTRC recognises the importance of preparedness, coordination and trusted partnerships in helping communities host safe, successful and inclusive gatherings. NCCTRC is a key component of the Australian Government’s disaster and emergency medical preparedness and response capability, including through coordination and deployment of AUSMAT.
Kath McDermott, Acting Director, Disaster Preparedness and Response, NCCTRC, said: “NCCTRC is proud to support the 2026 Dili International Marathon, an event that showcases the energy, pride and aspirations of Timor-Leste while bringing people together through sport. Our involvement reflects the close friendship between Australia and Timor-Leste and our shared commitment to cooperation, resilience and community wellbeing.” she went onto to say: “Events such as the Dili International Marathon are a valuable reminder that strong bilateral relationships are built not only through formal partnership, but also through practical collaboration and people-to-people connection. We are honoured to stand alongside our Timorese partners in support of an event that celebrates health, inclusion and the enduring ties between our two nations.”
The 2026 Dili International Marathon is being held under the patronage of President José Ramos-Horta side by side with critical Governmental support, led by the Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Vice Prime Minister 1, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay. The Presidency and office of PM are the main financial contributors totalling at least 80% of the total budget. It is hoped that this can be gradually transferred over to private institutions.Through significant inter governmental support this year continues to build a legacy that began in 2010 as part of the “Dili City of Peace” campaign. The event has been recognised as a platform for national unity, peace-building and athletic excellence in Timor-Leste.
NCCTRC looks forward to working with Timorese counterparts and event stakeholders in the lead-up to the marathon and to supporting an event that reflects the shared values, mutual respect and enduring partnership between Australia and Timor-Leste.
TATOLI
