All smiles during a Sunday morning run in Sentul.

Another sought-after routine is the Sunday morning runs focusing on long run training. These start from McDonalds in Kemang, South Jakarta at 5 a.m. The long distance runs turn out to be an inimitable adventure for the smaller group of runners. They get fit and at the same time experience first hand the hidden sides of Jakarta.

“The group covers a distance of about 20 kilometers along the back streets, lanes and river banks of Jakarta. We mainly stick to South Jakarta, but on several occasions we run down into Kota along the Tanah Abang River and other routes as well,” says Martin.

Ninie Mulyadi, a retired marathon athlete who has been with JFS since 2009, quickly admits that Sunday’s long runs are her most favorite pursuit. Ninie loves the fact she can run almost anywhere in the city. Through narrow alleys, crowded villages, even traditional markets, you name it!

“Running with fellow JFS members is never boring. They are not only supportive but also an exciting bunch of people,” exclaims Ninie. The same notion came from Jacky, a JFS member since 2005, “As a middle-aged man, JFS has really inspired me. Their strong dedication has taught me to keep running no matter how old you are,” he said.

The Sunday morning runs began as Barbara’s training sessions for the marathon in 2004. Later that year, several other members began joining her and the long distance runs quickly signed off as one of JFS’ weekly activities.

Quite often, JFS also conducts runs with specific themes, and sometimes even out of the city. “For our Obama Run, we ran to each of his schools and previous homes in Jakarta,” explained Martin. “Additionally, we also organize runs in the countryside once a month for hard core runners looking for something different.”

So far a group of 10 to 15 runners have run in Bogor, Kerawang, Sentul, Jonggol, and Pelabuhan Ratu, among a few other interesting places. “The courses are usually very challenging yet exhilarating! We run up and down hills, through wet grasslands, mud-covered terrains and across rivers,” Ninie said.

Francesca even ventured out on a coast-to-coast road run across the top of Ujungkulon along with two other JFS members in May 2009. They ran 62 kilometers from Cikirun to Citeureup after coming up with an idea from looking at a map and thinking, “That might be fun!”

“We started running at 2:30 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon until night fall. We then slept in a modest traditional hamlet and woke up around 4 a.m. to continue our run with headlamps,” said Francesca. The weather was really hot and for every 5 kilometers, they had to stop for drinks provided by their backup driver. “We eventually reached our final destination around 8.30 a.m. and were so glad that we made it.”

Without doubt, running together with friends helps you overcome any unforeseen obstacles. “On the second day of the run we came upon a very steep hill and I couldn’t make it through the first time. But the other two runners kept cheering me on until I managed to run over it. I was really touched by their encouraging spirit,” recalled Francesca.

Having fellow runners to share the same joy and suffering clearly makes the trip worthwhile. During long runs, runners exchange various running tips as most long runs are done at a conversational pace. “Over the two-hour course, all sorts of topics are discussed, especially if it has to do with improving ones running performance. More experienced runners are always happy to help and advise newer runners,” Martin said.

Being helpful with each other and treating every member equally, regardless their running experience, is what JFS is all about. “Simply put, we are one big happy family who loves to run together,” says Jacky.

As a road running club, JFS regularly hosts several club races during the year, such as a half marathon, 10k and the Annual Zoo Run (5k and fun run). Over the past few years, JFS has also assisted Mary’s Cancer Kiddies and others within the Jakarta running community in raising funds for many deserving causes.

For instance, on Nov. 7, 2010, JFS held a half marathon race in the Zoo, which was fully supported by Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia for their global campaign “Seeing is Believing Charity”.

The members arrange all the club’s activities on a voluntary basis. Each has a role, which tends to change depending on the upcoming events.

“So at the end of the day, every plan comes down to situation where there is a suitable match with our yearly race calendar and having members willing to donate valuable free time to arrange the events,” Martin said.

To keep members in the loop, Sue Ann Bacheller, JFS Members Coordinator, says a weekly e-newsletter is being sent with useful information on the upcoming runs and races as well as things that are going on within the Jakarta running community.

The name says it all: free spirit. If you think you have one and are eager to run the city, Jakarta Free Spirit is for you!

For interested runners, click www.jakartafreespirit.org to download membership form or to get more info about this road running club.

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