The Semarang 10K Powered by Isoplus race has brought joy to both runners and the public. The year-end race, which a number of parties joined, also helped boost the local economy.
By
KRISTI DWI UTAMI, MEGANDIKA WICAKSONO
·5 minutes read
WILIBRORDUS MEGANDIKA WICAKSONO
Runners sing the Indonesia Raya anthem before the Semarang 10K Powered by Isoplus race in Semarang, Central Java, Sunday (18/12/2022).
As soon as he reached the finish line of the Semarang 10K at the City Hall of Semarang, Central Java, on Sunday morning (18/12/2022), Tyo (39) did not rest immediately. Instead, he walked around 1 kilometer to a spectator area on Jl. Pemuda. Afterwards, he joined the spectators to cheer on those runners who had not finished the race.
Apart from shouting words of encouragement, Tyo also sang a dangdut koplo song. On hearing the song, a number of runners stopped briefly to dance, while several other runners stopped to capture the excitement there.
"I spontaneously did this because I felt inspired by the cheering team who gave us runners encouragement," said Tyo, who is from Semarang.
Tyo was not the only participant who returned to the track after finishing the race. A number of other runners from various communities did the same. Members of the Running Rage community, for example, stood at the side of the track to cheer on their peers to the finish line.
In the Kota Lama (Old Town) area of Semarang, 40 members from the Wahyu Turonggo Jati theatrical troupe performed Javanese songs and traditional dances to encourage the runners. Some runners also stopped to take pictures with members of the troupe from Jangli village, Tembalang district, Semarang.
“We rehearsed at least once a week from last month. Approaching the Semarang 10K event, we increased the rehearsals to two to three times a week. Our aim is to perform as well as possible to entertain the runners,” said Indah Wigati, a leader of the Wahyu Turonggo Jati theatrical troupe.
I spontaneously did this because I felt inspired by the cheering team who gave us runners encouragement.
A number of local residents also cheered on the runners spontaneously along the route of the Semarang 10K. One of these was Kasiyati (64). Having gone out for a walk at Simpang Lima Semarang, Kasiyati's journey was blocked because a number of roads had been closed for the Semarang 10K.
“At first I was annoyed, because the roads were closed. In fact, I had an argument with the officers because I tried to go through, but I was not allowed to. Finally, I decided to wait for the road to reopen. But then runners passed by. Some wore unique costumes. So, I was happy to be 'stuck' here, because I was entertained," said the resident of Purwodinatan village, Central Semarang.
WILIBRORDUS MEGANDIKA WICAKSONO
Semarang 10K Powered by Isoplus participants wore unique costumes to run in Semarang, Central Java, Sunday (18/12/2022).
Breaking records
The Semarang 10K was held by Kompas daily, in collaboration with the Semarang administration and Isoplus. The annual 10-kilometer race was established in 2018, but was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, around 2,100 runners participated in the event.
The Semarang 10K is considered as the year-end race for runners in Indonesia because it is held in mid-December.
This year, national athlete Odekta Elvina Naibaho became the fastest woman in the Semarang 10K by clocking a record time of 35 minutes, 05 seconds. She outperformed Triyaningsih, who finished second with a time of 40 minutes, 15 seconds, and Desi Kristiani in third place with a time of 40 minutes, 41 seconds.
Odekta broke the record for female runners at the Semarang 10K. Odekta also held the previous record of 36 minutes 49 seconds, made in 2019.
In the men's category, Robi Syianturi was the fastest this year with a record time of 32 minutes, 43 seconds. Nurshodiq finished second with 33 minutes, 47 seconds, and Rahmad Setiabudi placed third with 34 minutes, 03 seconds.
Kompas deputy chairman Budiman Tanuredjo said the Semarang 10K, with its flat route, enabled runners to break records. However, the Semarang 10K’s fastest male record of 31 minutes, 17 seconds by Agus Prayogo had not been broken.
KOMPAS
Odekta running athlete Elvina Naibaho smiled while participating in Semarang 10K Powered by Isoplus in Semarang City, Central Java, Sunday (18/12/2022).
Sacrifice
Budiman added that the Semarang 10K was successful due to the mutual cooperation of many parties, including the local community. "I know the sacrifices of the residents, as many roads were partially closed," he said.
Acting Semarang Mayor Hevearita Gunaryanti Rahayu said the Semarang 10K helped boost the local economy, as the event’s participants did not just take part in the competition, but also traveled, enjoyed the local cuisine, and bought souvenirs in Semarang.
“Hotels, eateries, souvenir shops have been full. There is a multiplier effect, so the Semarang economy grows," she said.
According to Hevearita, this year's Semarang 10K exceeded previous expectations. She also hoped that there would be more participants at next year’s race.
Hotels, eateries, souvenir shops have been full. There is a multiplier effect, so the Semarang economy grows.
“Of course, we hope that next year there will be more participants. If this year’s target is only 2,000 participants, hopefully next year there will be 5,000 participants," she said.
Wings Group marketing manager Joshua Gunawan expressed his hope that holding the Semarang 10K race could further help promote healthy lifestyles.
"Our hope is that events like the Semarang 10K can make people more aware about their health, so that more Indonesians will become healthier, more active and fit through running. Being healthy doesn't always have to be serious, and it can be achieved with fun," said Joshua.
