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Road races galore for Jakartans
Run, run and run: Thousands of people take part in the EU on the Move 5K Run during Car Free Day on Jl
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span class="inline inline-center">Run, run and run: Thousands of people take part in the EU on the Move 5K Run during Car Free Day on Jl. Sudirman in Jakarta on Sunday. The charity run, the proceeds of which are to be donated to social foundations, was organized by the EU with a theme of Unity in Diversity, as part of celebrations for Europe Week 2015. JP/Awo
Yohanna Tumbuan, 21, enjoyed perusing the booths describing European cuisine on Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta, shortly after completing a five kilometer (5K) race on Sunday. For the university student, however, the race was mainly an occasion to mingle with friends.
'I often join races. I also participated in last year's Bajak Jakarta (Hijack Jakarta) race,' she said.
Yohanna was one of some 2,000 participants at the 'EU on the Move 5K Run' on Sunday. Hosted by the European Union's (EU) delegation to Indonesia, the race was a part of Europe Week 2015, which has already kicked off in several Indonesian cities.
Acting EU Ambassador to Indonesia H. E. Colin Crooks told The Jakarta Post on Sunday that the event aimed to strengthen the bond between the EU and Indonesia.
'It's great to reach out to [young] people who run, people on social media [...] and to make the EU a little bit better known among the people of Jakarta,' he said after finishing the race.
Ambassadors from EU countries like Hungary, Austria and Sweden also participated, with Swedish ambassador H. E. Johanna Bismar Skoog clocking in as the fastest envoy. The former Indonesian ambassador to the US, Dino Patti Djalal, also joined the race.
Rp 30 million (US$2,306) in proceeds raised from entry costs will be donated to three foundations ' Sanggar Anak Akar, Yayasan Rumah Rachel and Yayasan Bhakti Luhur.
Paulina Grasiela, 20, said Sunday she had joined the EU race to learn about European countries, especially Spain.
'I will actually just walk during today's race. But I will definitely visit Spain's booth,' she told the Post, adding she usually chose races featuring sideline events.
Meanwhile, Aprilia Kartina, an 18-year-old athlete, said she had joined the race for fun.
'I can train myself while having fun,' she said. Aprilia was the fastest female finisher, completing the 5K in a swift 19 minutes and 42 seconds.
Running has become increasingly popular in the capital city, with running portal dunialari.com recording at least 30 races taking place in Greater Jakarta this year. Offerings have been diverse, ranging from 1K fun runs to proper marathons.
One such race is the Jakarta International 10K, with the Jakarta administration has hosted every year since 2004 to celebrate the city's anniversary. This year, the race, which attracts of thousands of local and international participants, will be held on May 31.
In conjunction with the Jakarta Great Sale Festival 2015, the administration will also host the first Fashion Festival Run on June 7, where style may count for more than speed.
This year, the administration, in cooperation with the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, will hold the third Jakarta Marathon on October 25. (prm)
