Hand Waves and Sincere Greetings amid the Silence

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Runners race after being released from the starting point at the 2020 Borobudur Marathon at Borobudur Temple Tourism Park, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Sunday (11/15/2020).

The “Elite Race Borobudur Marathon 2020 Powered by Bank Jateng” offered a different story this year. Even though there were no cheers or encouragement from local residents as in previous years, runners were not alone, as chants of encouragement continued to come their way.

Carrying a backpack on his back, Adjunct First Inspector Tumidi Thamiel observed the runners one by one from the side of the 2020 Borobudur Marathon route on Sunday (15/1/2020). As soon as a runner passed by, the security officer in Borobudur district, Magelang regency, Central Java, clenched his hands and raised them slightly.

"Come on, Mbak (Ms.) Irma ... Be strong, Ms. Oliv," said Tumidi with a mask on his face.

Also read: Borobudur Marathon Gets Appreciation From Runners

Tumidi, one of about 40 police personnel assigned to ensure security at the race, was called to keep encouraging the runners, who may be prone to a sense of boredom while running a 3.5-kilometer lap 12 times.

"They need to hear words of encouragement. In previous years, the runners were excited, because the residents enthusiastically supported them. This time, only we (who are in the race area) can do it. If it\'s quiet, they would get bored and keep thinking about how many more rounds to finish, "said Tumidi.

Also read: Harmony in Sports Bubbles

About 400 meters from Tumidi’s position, around the slope to Bukit Dagi, Yayuk and Isti did the same thing. Amid their duty as members of the medical team from the Borobudur Public Health Center, they kept encouraging runners.

"They need encouragement. Why should we just keep silent? We have our hands and mouths to help others, too,” said Yayuk.

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

Elite class runners begin the Borobudur Marathon in the Borobudur Temple area, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Sunday (11/15/2020). The running of the marathon is carried out by implementing strict health protocols.

Words of encouragement also came from corner marshals whose task, among other things, was to show runners the direction of the route. Novika Putri (20), one of them, was really excited to cheer up to the runners who slowed their pace in order to wait for other runners who had been together some time before. It was part of their solidarity.

For the runners, even a little cheer could boost their morale and motivation. A senior female runner from East Nusa Tenggara, Oliva Sadi (38), said the encouragement really helped her.

Also read: Borobudur Spurs Opening of New Economic Zones

The warmth of the residents, according to her, is what the Borobudur Marathon is all about.

"This year is quite different, because in previous years, even school children cheered the runners on. However, those who were around the track were also quite helpful, “said Oliva, who came third in the women’s category with a time of 3 hours and 31 minutes.

Also read: Domestic Tourists Become Locomotive

A male runner from West Nusa Tenggara, Suwandi (28), also missed the cheers. The runner-up in the men\'s category with a time of 2 hours 43 minutes and 43 seconds said an audience could double runners’ motivation. However, he said he understood that present situation did not allow for that because it was still held amid the pandemic.

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

Female elite runners compete to complete 12 rounds with a total distance of 42.5 kilometers at the 2020 Borobudur Marathon in the Borobudur Temple area, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Sunday (15/11/2020).

Besides being helped by the support of people around the track, he also got support from far away. "This time, I am excited, because I remember my family back home. That\'s what I was thinking about," added Suwandi.

Boredom throughout the competition also got to Irma Handayani (30), a female runner from East Kalimantan. "Moreover, every time I see an incline, I only found trees at the right and left. So, I continue to motivate myself with the help of the encouragement from students and others,“ said the runner-up in the women’s category with 3 hours 12 minutes and 33 seconds.

Every time I see an incline, I only found trees at the right and left. So, I continue to motivate myself with the help of the encouragement from students and others.

Consequence

The 2020 Borobudur Marathon marks an adjustment from previous years because it was held amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The competition area at the Borobudur Temple complex may only be entered by people who have taken a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test with a negative result, to avoid Covid-19 transmission. A security policy is strictly enforced at every entrance.

The committee also provided a number of facilities to compensate for the absence of residents at several points along the route in the form of wooden figures of humans resembling supporters. At another point, a large screen showed pictures of the audience supporting racers in the 2019 Borobudur Marathon.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Pretty Sihite female runner raised two hands when she finished first in the women\'s category at the 2020 Borobudur Marathon at Borobudur Temple Tourism Park, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Sunday (15/11/2020).

The race director of the 2020 Borobudur Maratahon, Andreas Kansil, said the absence of spectators or residents, however, was part of an adaptation to the pandemic situation. Likewise, the marathon route was also relatively new.

“Boredom and the winding route are something that has to be accepted. There may be very few marathons with 12 laps. The London Marathon 2020 was held (amid the pandemic) with 19 laps. So, things like that become a special challenge for runners, "said Andreas.

According to him, the key to organizing a running or sports event amid the Covid-19 pandemic is the presence of escorts, not just guides. Monitoring compliance with health protocol from start to finish is crucial so that the race proceeds safely, not only for athletes, but also for committee members and volunteers.

Also read: Mission in the Land of Borobudur

The Covid-19 pandemic, which is far from over, has forced everyone to accept new ways, and the world of sports is no exception. After all, runners crave competitions.

Even though there were no high-fives after touching the finish line or lively support from residents, nor fried bananas and hot tea served by residents along the track, marathons such as the 2020 Borobudur Marathon can still be carried out. A new world of sporting events has been born.