Elite Runners Keen to Be Back In Spotlight

KOMPAS/IWAN SETIYAWAN

National elite runner Agus Prayogo (third left) takes pictures of other runners after trying the track that will be used for the 2021 Borobudur Marathon powered by Bank Jateng at Lumbini Park at the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park Complex, Magelang, Friday (11/26/2021).

The grandiosity of Borobudur Temple is not only a magnet for tourists, but also an appealing competition arena for national elite runners who are enthusiastically returning for the Borobudur Marathon. Many are keen to emulate the moments of glory they experienced in past events.

Friday (11/26/2021) at 5 a.m., a number of buses broke the solitude of the Borobudur Temple compound in Magelang, Central Java. On board were 42 runners participating in the elite category of the Borobudur Marathon 2021.

They were trying out the race route ahead of the competition to be held this Saturday morning.

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It was still twilight, but their faces showed palpable enthusiasm by lighting up the morning. They spread the air of cheer as soon as they set foot on the race route.

One of the runners who showed her excitement was Irma Handayani (31). A smile beamed on her face the moment she got off the bus. “This will be my fifth Borobudur marathon. Since 2017, I have never been absent," she said.

The scenic backdrop of Borobudur moved Irma to come back. She said the lethargy from running would be overwhelmed by the green atmosphere and the cool air of the Menoreh hills. It had been part of the running route before the looping system was implemented because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Irma said the marathon with the route through the Manoreh hills was her most favorite run she had ever participated in.

“The atmosphere is very soothing and peaceful. It provides calm as well as an energy booster. I always want to come back," she said.

Irma was runner-up in the Borobudur Marathon 2020. She won bronze in the women's marathon category at the recently concluded 20th National Games 2021 (PON) in Papua.

As usual, Irma is coming to Borobudur with her family, as she takes her participation as a moment for competition and a holiday.

KOMPAS/IWAN SETIYAWAN

Runners take a group photo after trying the track that will be used for the 2021 Borobudur Marathon powered by Bank Jateng at Lumbini Park at the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park Complex, Magelang, Friday (11/26/2021).

Borobudur 2020 winner Betmen Manurung (31) said he was so impressed by the majestic landscape of the area he felt happy to be back. "The air is clean," he said.

Yearning for cheers

One thing that Betmen missed the most was the cheers of the audience. He said the roaring shouts of the children was encouragement for him to pick up the pace. He also acknowledged the friendliness of the local people that helped him glide along the route.

Pretty Sihite, the women’s defending champion from North Sumatra, said she always found the cheers along the roadside an extra impetus for her to fasten the pace.

“I participated in 2017 and 2018. It's always crowded. The shouts would be even more raucous toward the finish line. Some were beating the drums and others were dancing. That’s what I really missed,” she said.

Last year’s competition was deprived of the roadside crowds as spectators were kept away because of the pandemic. The audience followed the spectacle through the organizers’ loudspeakers and large monitors, leaving the temple’s statues as the silent audience.

With the pandemic abating, the spectators are coming back, although health protocols are still in place. Some are the participants of "Tilik Candi", the supporting event of Borobudur Marathon 2021, which is open to public. The number is limited to 120 runners.

Borobudur Marathon 2021 race director Andreas Kansil said the audience was allowed to follow the competition from behind the barricade. Clapping balloons were distributed for them to cheer the runners.

“We are implementing screening and testing procedures. The atmosphere will be a little more distinct (merrier) than last year," he said. The organizers enforced quarantine for the runners as they did last year as part of the health protocol.

He lived in the city from 1995 to 1998, during which he began to build his running prowess.

For Agus Prayogo (36), tipped as one of the favorites from West Java, his participation in the Borobudur marathon is a trip back home. He lived in the city from 1995 to 1998, during which he began to build his running prowess.

“Actually, I was born in Bogor. However, when I was in fifth grade, I moved to Magelang, where I lived with my grandmother. Many of my friends joined a running club in the village, so, I did too," he said.

His first year in Magelang saw him win a student competition. Finding his talent, his teacher developed him into one of the top national runners as he is today.

Borobudur marathon was organized only a month apart from the Papua Games, which Agus said was too close but added he did not see it as a problem for him.

Meanwhile, Betmen said he had been preparing for about two months for the event, during which he carried out a routine training regime to make sure he was in good shape for the competition.

KOMPAS/IWAN SETIYAWAN

Elite runners run together while trying out the track that will be used for the 2021 Borobudur Marathon powered by Bank Jateng at Lumbini Park at the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park Complex, Magelang, Friday (11/26/2021).

As for Pretty, she admitted that her preparation this time was less than optimal. She incurred an injury in the buildup the Papuan Games where she failed to win a medal for the three events she participated in, the 1,500 meter, 3,000m and 5,000m.

The runners are so impressed by Borobudur temple, some viewing its appearance as a home calling, but for now, the most demanding call for them is to impress the audience in the competition.

(This article was translated by Musthofid).