Province to host int'l 10K Suramadu Run

SURABAYA: To help introduce the newly opened Suramadu Bridge as a world tourism icon, the East Java provincial administration wants to organize an international competition, the Suramadu Run, across the 5.4-kilometer bridge connecting Java and Madura islands.

Deputy Governor Saifullah Yusuf said the competition, along a 10-kilometer route from Surabaya (Java) to Bangkalan (Madura), would be held concurrent to the National Heroes' Day celebration on Nov. 10. "The governor is studying the proposal," he said.

He added the idea to hold the event came from Surabaya Deputy Mayor Arif Affandi, who was inspired by the annual New York City Marathon that normally attracts more than 300,000 participants.

"For the Suramadu Run we have a target of 10,000 participants," Syaifullah said Thursday.

The event would be divided into four categories: international professional runners, national athletes, the general public and students. - JP