Drawing Inspiration from Medan Friendship Run

KOMPAS

Ahead of the 2022 Borobudur Marathon, Bank Jateng Enlivens Medan with Friendship Run.

Amidst drizzling rain, the Bank Jateng Friendship Run, the prelude to the international Borobudur Marathon 2022, kicked off in the courtyard of Maimoon Palace in Medan, North Sumatra, on Sunday (25/9/2022). Greeted with enthusiasm by the local residents, the 5-kilometer run that traversed routes along the city’s thoroughfares was expected to leverage tourism promotions in the region.

“What a remarkable event. Tourism promotion is packaged as various activities, one of which is a sports event. The running event promotes tourism to Borobudur in Central Java," Medan Mayor Bobby Afif Nasution said. The Friendship Run, which has four legs, with the other three host cities being Semarang, Jakarta and Makassar, is among the highlights in the lead-up to the Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon that takes place in November in Magelang, Central Java.

The Medan leg saw around 800 participants who were either members of athletics communities or running enthusiasts. Joining the participants in running through the city’s streets in the cool weather were Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and his wife Siti Atikoh, Bank Jateng president director Supriyatno, Kompas deputy publisher Budiman Tanuredjo, and Kompas deputy managing editor Andreas Maryoto.

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The drizzle stopped just before the event started in front of Maimoon Palace, with the runners ceremoniously sent off with performances of the Kuntulan dance from Magelang and the Zapin Melayu dance. Sporting running vests specially designed for the Medan event, some participants also wore various attractive costumes, such as that of Spider-man and Gatotkaca, as well as wedding dresses, Malay clothing, elementary school uniforms, and ulos, the Batak traditional textile.

Along the route, the runners acknowledged the cheering spectators and soaked in the celebratory atmosphere from several performances, such as the Malay Deli musical theater and a student marching band.

The participants relished the running through the downtown area, passing a number of landmarks like Old Town, Kesawan, Tjong A. Fie's house on their way to the finish line back at Maimoon Palace. Along the route, the runners acknowledged the cheering spectators and soaked in the celebratory atmosphere from several performances, such as the Malay Deli musical theater and a student marching band.

Dica Ariangga Surbakti (15) was the first runner across the finish line. A student at Harapan Mandiri senior high school (SMA) on Jl. Brigjen Hamid Zein in Medan, he said it was the first time he had participated in a 5K run. He was serious about preparing for the event, following a training regime. "Thanks to the organizers, [I now] know my ability," said Dica, who dreams of becoming an elite running athlete.

KOMPAS/NIKSON SINAGA

Paolina Lim (39), a runner from the Medan Merdeka Runners community and Sharine (28) from the Banana Runners took a photo after receiving a race pack for the Bank Jateng Friendship Run 2022, in Medan, on Saturday (24/9/2022).

Chandra Ham (49), a member of the 20-strong “Happyday” running community, appeared happy to learn that the city was hosting a running event. Meanwhile, Rizki Gunawan Sihombing (23), a resident of Medan Marelan district, said the participants could have been fired up even further if the organizers had provided prizes, for example, for the first 20 runners to cross the finish line.

In order to allow the local residents to get a taste of the venue for the Borobudur Marathon, the event offered various culinary specialties from Magelang, such as urap (mixed salad in shredded coconut), mangut beong (smoked fish stewed in coconut milk), Javanese noodles, kupat tahu (rice cakes, tofu,

vegetables served with peanut sauce), and meatballs. Magelang’s batik and handicraft products were also available.

"Praise God, many people bought our products," said Wachid Isrodin, a craftsman who makes wooden toys from South Jurangombo, Magelang.

Before Medan, the Bank Jateng Friendship Run was held in Semarang and Jakarta, with the final leg of the event to take place on 9 Oct. in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Governor Ganjar said that promoting the 2022 Borobudur Marathon had become more urgent after the annual event had been suspended for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Before Medan, the Bank Jateng Friendship Run was held in Semarang and Jakarta, with the final leg of the event to take place on 9 Oct. in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

“Some runners had wanted to run [the Borobudur Marathon], but they were unlucky because the slots ran out. So, we tried to compensate them by [holding this event] in Medan. We are grateful to the mayor for providing good facilities at the beautiful Maimun Palace," he said.

The Borobudur Marathon 2022 will be held on 12-13 Nov.

KOMPAS/NIKSON SINAGA

=Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo (second from right) with Medan Mayor Bobby Afif Nasution and Bank Jateng North Director Supriyatno visited a culinary and craft Pawone from Magelang at the Bank Jateng Friendship Run event in Medan, North Sumatra, on Sunday (25/9/2022) .

Bank Jateng president director Supriyatno hailed the “extraordinary spirit and enthusiasm” of the participants. "With the theme 'Stronger to Victory', we are promoting the spirit of revival among the Indonesian people, who are optimistic people," he said.

Borobudur Marathon 2022 ambassador Kelly Tandiono said she was delighted by the local residents’ high enthusiasm for the fun run, during which some runners appeared to be keeping pace with her. She said the event was also expected to help boost small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially in Magelang.

"Hopefully, there will be more of this event with more participants joining in the future," she said.

This article was translated by Musthofid.