Metropolitan’s Charms Impress Runners

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

As many as 2,000 participants take part in the Semarang 10K race in Semarang city, Central Java, Sunday (15/12/2019). This race has become an annual event to promote tourism in the city of Semarang.

SEMARANG, KOMPAS — At the final national running event of the year, the Semarang 10K on Sunday (15/12/2019), runners were impressed by the charms of the Central Java metropolis, famed for its cultural and historical wealth.

Martha Sugiarti, 70, extended her wrinkled hands in a wave to all Semarang 10K runners who passed by her on the curb of Jl. Ronggowarsito in Semarang. She smiled as she waved.

“Come on, keep your spirit up! Semarang is awesome!” she cheered. The tired runners seemed to become reenergized and they thanked Martha for her smile and encouragement – a simple yet deeply meaningful gesture.

Around 400 meters to the west of where Martha stood at the juncture of Jl. Merak and Jl. Cendrawasih, the 18-year-old Dwi Prasetyo, a barong dancer from the Singo Putro Mustiko Semarang troupe, performed somersaults to the rhythmic accompaniment of gamelan music.

The second edition of the Semarang 10K, held by the Semarang municipal administration and the Kompas daily, presented cultural performances at several points of the run to entertain runners and promote the local culture. Aside from the Barongan and the Jathilan dances, the event also presented angklung and drumblek percussion ensemble performances. The drumblek is percussive music played on jerricans, plastic drums, buckets, gallon paint cans and bamboo logs.

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

As many as 2,000 participants take part in the Semarang 10K race in Semarang city, Central Java, Sunday (15/12/2019). This race has become an annual event to promote tourism in the city of Semarang.

Dozens of students from several elementary schools in Semarang also cheered on the runners. With their innocent faces, the children greeted the runners by asking for high-fives and giving them the popular Korean “finger hearts” sign. They left an impression on the 2,000 runners, especially the 68 runners from out of town, including 13 foreign runners.

“The entertainment was awesome, so uniquely Semarang,” said M. Lutfi, 24, from Bandung, West Java.

The colorful attractions complemented the route through the city’s modern and historical areas. In addition to Lawang Sewu, Kota Lama was a major magnet for tourists along the route. Semarang’s Kota Lama (Old Town) district, full of colonial architecture, has become more beautiful and organized.

Last year’s Semarang 10K only passed through a small part of Kota Lama, as the district was being restored. This year, however, the runners could enjoy a longer route through the historical district, passing iconic structures like the Marabunta building, Spiegel, Marba, Bank Mandiri and Blenduk Church. Some runners appeared distracted from fulfilling their goals to achieve their personal best times (PBs), preferring instead to stop by and take selfies with other runners.

“Many chased their PBs in the Semarang 10K, including me, with PB standing for ‘photo banyak’ [many photos],” joked 27-year-old Bondhan Praharza Christy from Purwodadi.

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

A participant of the Semarang 10K runs among the beauty of old buildings in the Old City area of Semarang city, Central Java, Sunday (15/12/2019). Running events have become a popular way to attract tourists in many locations.

Comfortable run

The Semarang 10K truly spoiled the runners. Clouds hung over the city when the race began at 6 a.m., a blessing in the city that is infamous for its heat and humidity.

The runners also enjoyed a closed, secure route, with policemen and transportation agency personnel at every corner.

Charles Kipsang from Kenya said that the closed route and Kota Lama’s iconic buildings were major attractions of the Semarang 10K. National runner Triyaningsih said the event was well managed, and that the closed route offered comfort for the runners.

As a result, several Semarang 10K records were broken. Tariku Demelash from Ethiopia, who won the men’s 10K open, finished the run in 30 minutes and 39 seconds, breaking last year’s record of 31 minutes and 56 seconds by James Gikunga of Kenya.

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

A traditional art performance is staged to entertain participants of the Semarang 10K race as they run among the beauty of old buildings in the Old City area of Semarang city, Central Java, Sunday (15/12/2019). Running events have become a popular way to attract tourists in many locations.

“I am happy to run here. The flat route, I think, is No. 1 in Indonesia. The locals are also delightful. Thank you, Semarang!” Gikunga said, smiling.

Jacklin Nzivo from Kenya won the women’s 10K open.

Meanwhile, national athlete Agus Prayogo, who won the marathon gold and the 10K bronze at the Philippines 2019 SEA Games, came in first in the men’s 10K national at 31 minutes and 17 seconds. Odekta Elvina Naibaho, who won the 10K bronze at the 2019 SEA Games, won the women’s 10K national at Semarang.

Semarang Mayor Hendrar Prihadi said that the 10K run was one positive promotion of the city. “This is a good opportunity to boost Semarang’s tourism and economy,” said Hendrar.

Kompas deputy chief editor Budiman Tanuredjo said that Semarang’s famous culinary spots would be invited to the Semarang 10K next year. Apart from improving the local economy, he expressed hope that it would help promote local products.

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

Participants of the Semarang 10K race run among the beauty of old buildings in the Old City area of Semarang city, Central Java, Sunday (15/12/2019). Running events have become a popular way to attract tourists in many locations.

Behind the idea of using sports tourism to improve the local economy, the Semarang 10K embodies the values of sharing and encouragement with heart. (DIT/XTI)