Maintaining Harmony at Borobudur

Kompas/Ferganata Indra Riatmoko

Members of the Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon 2017 organizing committee carry out a route check for the 21-kilometer category marathon in Borobudur district, Magelang regency, Central Java, Friday (17/11). The route check was done to ensure that the information boards giving route directions, as well as other infrastructure, was ready to be used by participants in the race,  which will be held on November 19, 2017.

There was a cool breeze around the farmland and streets in Gopalan hamlet, Borobudur village, Magelang, Central Java, following light rain in the morning. Rain had been felt since Thursday (16/11) morning in Magelang and its surrounding areas.

Fog continued to cover Menoreh hill. Rice fields were seen in the distance on the left side. In the south, Borobudur temple was visible. Several residents rushed to get on their bicycles and greet the runners, who that morning, tried the track for the 10-kilometer Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon (BJBM) 2017 slated for Sunday morning.

Participants of the BJBM 2017 for the 10-km and 21-km categories will enjoy one of the interesting spots. The friendliness of local residents was real. If they did not express their support, they just simply smiled or greeted.

“The weather is great, cool. I hope the weather will be like this during the race so that the runners can enjoy it,” said Mathias Ibo, who along with Kompas and Andri from the Magelang Runners, tried the route.

The cool and comfortable weather was also felt on Friday when the runners tried the 21-km track (half marathon). “Running in a rural area like this is more enjoyable more than in an urban area. We do not feel too tired,” said Riefa Istamar, who that morning tried the 21-km track with Alex Fajar from Magelang Runners.

Alex, who has tried the half marathon BJBM 2017 route, claimed it was the best route. Neighborhoods with friendly residents, rice fields, bamboo forests, light fog in Menoreh are real attractions. The rambutan trees with their abundant fruits seemed to welcome the runners.

Betting

The day will arrive tomorrow. For the first time, the sporting event with the support and sponsorship of Bank Jateng and the Central Java administration is organized by Kompas, which is willing to take part because of the grand image of Borobudur temple that needs to have marathon activity of equal scale.

The trauma from the previous marathon is still remembered. Adri, a runner from Yogyakarta, who was met after picking up a race pack, said some of his friends chose to delay their participation in the BJBM.

“I join the 10 kilometer. I will check it first,” he said. He recalled the story of the previous marathon. “At that time, there was a foreign runner who was disappointed. He said the Borobudur marathon was not as expected,” he said.

The plan to organize an event equal to the grandeur of Borobudur temple was a main objective. Runners from Magelang taking on the role of host supported the plan.

“We choose to help the committee, serve as marshals or at the water station. As a runner, I know what the runners expect from the race,” said Alex Fajar, chairman of Magelang Runners.

Borobudur uniqueness

The uniqueness of a marathon around Borobudur temple is recognized by Dave Cundy from the Association of International Marathons and Distance Race, when he measured the BJBM track in July. If organized well and seriously, the marathon will attract tourists.

Cundy said the runners would not only enjoy the grandeur of the famous Borobudur temple as well as Pawon temple and Mendut temple. “The marathon track that goes through the rice fields and village neighborhood is another unique feast,” Cundy said.

Although many runners have delayed their participation and choose to see first if the Borobudur Marathon this year is better, there are already 8,754 runners registered for the BJBM. From that number, as many as 6,322 people choose to compete in 10-km category. Aside from the big number of beginners or those who want to tour the area, many people intentionally did not choose the half marathon or the marathon. They want to first ensure if the marathon race is better. That number includes 179 runners from 29 countries, such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, United States and, of course, Kenya. Moreover, there are old runners. Japanese marathon runner Takahashi Sinichi brings three fellow runners between 72 and 81 years old.

The willingness to organize a marathon equal in grandeur to Borobudur temple is seen from the support of locals and runners. So is the support from the local administration, including the Magelang Police, Central Java Police, local military office and public order personnel.

BJBM 2017 race director Andreas Kansil said all preparation for the race had been completed. Aside from installing the signage to guide the runners, there are also 875 marshals, marshal bicycles, water station guards and personnel at the finish line.

With serious months-long preparations, the organizers of BJBM try to realize the slogan “Reborn Harmony” in this year’s BJBM 2017.