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Runners race, enjoy panoramic views of Lembang
Photo run: A participant takes a selfie during the Garuda Finishers Trail Run 12K in Lembang, West Java, on Saturday
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Photo run: A participant takes a selfie during the Garuda Finishers Trail Run 12K in Lembang, West Java, on Saturday. (JP/Arya Dipa) (JP/Arya Dipa)
Photo run: A participant takes a selfie during the Garuda Finishers Trail Run 12K in Lembang, West Java, on Saturday. (JP/Arya Dipa)
The sun was barely seen on Saturday morning in the cold, mountainous, foggy air of Lembang, West Bandung, while hundreds of runners gathered at Dusun Bambu park and resort, ready to kick-start the 12-kilometer Garuda Finishers Trail Run.
At 7 a.m. the event began. Among the participants was Garuda Finishers founder Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, the first son of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Less than an hour later the event was completed with private Suhakar Mulyadin finishing first in 51 minutes and 1 second, followed by Bambang Giono (52:42) and Asep Saepudin (53:17).
Suhakar, who said he discovered running as a hobby only a few months ago, was awarded Rp 5 million (US$430). The runner up was entitled to Rp 4 million with third place receiving Rp 3 million.
'We're trying to give a new experience with every running event. This time we wanted runners to enjoy their hobby while also experiencing panoramic views of Lembang,' Garuda Finishers spokesperson Frega Wenas told a press conference after the event.
Garuda Finishers, which was founded by Agus in May last year, is a community run that is attended mostly by military personnel.
However, according to Frega, the event is open to the public.
'The event aims to develop positive interactions within and between communities through running,' said Frega.
Previously, Garuda Finishers has organized the PGN Run, Tengkorak Run, Kujang Run, Ramadan Night Run and Independence Day run, all in 2013.
It has gained support from state-owned Mandiri Bank and the national gas company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN).
Mandiri donated Rp 500 million for scholarships managed by the Tunggadewi Foundation.
'This is the first time we tried the trail run in Bandung and thankfully it received a warm welcome, not only from running communities but also from local residents,' said Frega.
He said Friday's run was attended by around 700 runners, including those from the US, Pakistan and Australia.
According to Suhakar, the trail run was more difficult than the previous two run events he attended.
'It required extra effort to run up the slopes,' he said.
