Thousands of runners run the first Suramadu bridge 10k

Suramadu race: Around 7,500 runners take part in a 10-kilometer "Run For Unity" race along the country's longest Suramadu bridge linking Surabaya and Madura in East Java on Sunday. (Antara/Musa Tamil)

Around 7,500 runners from various parts of Indonesia and internationally took part in the first 10-kilometer running competition crossing the Suramadu bridge linking Surabaya and Madura in East Java on Sunday.

State Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Andi Mallarangeng officially flagged "A Run For Unity" in Surabaya on Sunday morning.

Andi said the country's longest bridge does not only link Java and Madura Island, but serves as a good venue for running competitions to attract sporting enthusiasts and tourists.

Of the total 7,500 participants, 35 are foreign nationals.

Soon after the flagging, tempointeraktif.com said many runners fell as it was overcrowded.
Reportedly not enough officials were available to monitor the situation.

Those reaching the finish line also allegedly found it hard to get water.