Harmony in Sports Bubbles

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Several athletes take part in the trial and introduction of the running routes at the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex, Magelang regency, Central Java, Friday (13/11/2020). The route of the Borobudur Marathon 2020 is located within the scope of the tourist park with the aim of maintaining the safety and health of the athletes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The condition for the route is sterile and strict health protocols are implemented.

The contained sports bubble system implemented to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge for the elite runners of the Borobudur Marathon 2020 Powered by Bank Jateng. Runners are expected to undergo quarantine prior to the race, while also maintaining their focus and fitness.

Eldak Kafolamau (32) walked calmly along the steps of the Puri Asri Hotel, Magelang, Central Java on Friday (11/13/2020). With a mask attached to half of his face, the man from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) broke through the silence around the grove of trees.

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“The atmosphere here is calm. Even in the room you can relax. Runners actually need things like this before the marathon begins, so we can be more focused,” said Eldak.

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Several athletes participating in the Borobudur Marathon 2020 arrive at Hotel Puri Asri, Magelang city, Central Java, Thursday (12/11/2020). Upon arrival at the hotel, the athletes were required to take a swab and quarantine test as one of the safeguards and health protocols applied in the implementation of the marathon during the pandemic. Up to 26 runners take part in the Borobudur Marathon 2020.

Eldak is one of 26 participants in the Elite Race Borobudur Marathon 2020 for the men’s marathon. Amid the pandemic, the event will be held under strict health protocols. Since arriving at the hotel on Thursday (12/110, all participants have been tested and confirmed negative for COVID-19. Since then, they have remained in a bubble – a concept implemented during sporting events to protect athletes and organizing committees from COVID-19. Sports bubbles also ensure all activities are conducted in one area to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 from outside contact.

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During activities outside the room, athletes are expected to always wear a mask, maintain cleanliness and distance themselves from others. They are also prohibited from leaving the hotel complex. Should they need anything from outside the hotel, they can ask for or be provided with an intermediary or companion.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Several athletes take part in the trial and introduction of the running routes at the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex, Magelang regency, Central Java, Friday (13/11/2020). The route of the Borobudur Marathon 2020 is located within the scope of the tourist park with the aim of maintaining the safety and health of the athletes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The condition for the route is sterile and strict health protocols are implemented.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have no problem with this system. In fact, it’s good because you can calm yourself before the competition,” said senior female runner from NTT Oliva Sadi.

Pretty Sihite (23), another female runner, admitted that the bubble system was quite saturating because it prevented them from engaging in other activities. “Normally, when I participate in the Borobudur Marathon, I can also travel and have a bit of fun. However, I have to be understanding because health issues are of concern,” she said.

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Although space is limited, this did not prevent athletes from maintaining the conditions of their bodies. They optimized the training schedule as well as the track introduction on Friday morning. At around 4:30 a.m., the athletes headed out to a training spot adjacent to Borobudur Temple on a bus.

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A Borobudur Marathon 2020 athlete cools down and relaxes their muscles at the Borobudur temple tourism park complex, Magelang regency, Central Java, after participating in the trial and route introduction, Friday (13/11/2020). The route of the Borobudur Marathon 2020 is located within the scope of the tourist park with the aim of maintaining the safety and health of the athletes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The condition for the route is sterile and strict health protocols are implemented.

Beginning at 5 a.m., the athletes were divided into three groups and went directly to the field. Eight male runners took a round-the-track test at around 5:30 a.m. About 15 minutes later, nine other male runners performed a similar test and was followed by nine female runners for the next 15 minutes.

After about an hour, the athletes concluded their training. Despite being drenched in sweat, their faces were still bright. They were happy to have the opportunity to compete again as no competition had been held since the pandemic hit.

“I participated in the 2017 and 2018 Borobudur Marathon but only in 10K. So far, the route for the race had always been outside Borobudur. So, it is very important for us to familiarize ourselves with this new route,” said Pretty, who will be joining the marathon for the first time.

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A medical worker conducts a swab test on one of the athletes participating in the Borobudur Marathon 2020 at Hotel Puri Asri, Magelang city, Central Java, Thursday (12/11/2020). Upon arrival at the hotel, the athletes were required to undergo a swab and quarantine test as one of the safeguards and health protocols applied in the implementation of marathons during this pandemic. Up to 26 runners take part in the Borobudur Marathon 2020.

After practice, the athletes returned to the hotel for a gathering. At around 9 a.m., a number of athletes continued to do muscle stretching exercises on the terraces of their rooms. After that, some athletes asked to use physiotherapy facilities and one by one, they entered the physiotherapy room to relax their muscles from training.

Preparedness

Preparing prior to the race is very important, especially if the marathon will be held unconventionally. If the route of the Borobudur Marathon was on a public road, the runners would be able to hear spectator’s cheers of enthusiasm. However, they will likely be running in silence with 12 laps around the Borobudur temple complex.

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One of the athletes participating in the Borobudur Marathon 2020 does light exercises in front of her quarantine room at Hotel Puri Asri, Magelang city, Central Java, Friday (13/11/2020).

Borobudur Marathon 2020 race director Andreas Kansil said that the athletes had been monitored 14 days prior to the competition. This included filling out daily forms in order to track developments in physical and psychological conditions. “[They also] underwent swab tests three times; the initial screening seven days before departure, before they went into quarantine and once more before heading home,” he said.

Borobudur Marathon 2020 medical director Andi Kurniawan explained that the sports bubble system allowed the medical team to control the athletes’ conditions for the race. This was important because the athletes were unable to compete for a prolonged period of time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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After conducting route trials, a number of female athletes take photos in the Borobudur Marathon 2020 finish area at the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex, Magelang regency, Central Java, Friday (13/11/2020). The route of the Borobudur Marathon 2020 is located within the scope of the tourist park with the aim of maintaining the safety and health of the athletes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The condition for the route is sterile and strict health protocols are implemented.

In such unusual times, athletes are also required to prepare in extraordinary ways. The bubble system allows them to focus more while also preventing COVID-19 transmissions.