Borobudur Marathon 2020 Powered by Bank Jateng organized by the Central Java Provincial Government in collaboration with Kompas Daily has been successfully held on Sunday, November 15, 2020.

Borobudur Marathon 2020 Powered by Bank Jateng's commitment to continue to provide the best to runners is proven by being the only marathon event in Indonesia held in the midst of pandemics. The hybrid event concept in the form of a combination of Borobudur Marathon Virtual Challenge and Elite Race became the new face of the running events in Indonesia.

Elite Race was held in compliance with health protocols at Taman Lumbini Complex, Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, followed by 26 participants of national elite athletes divided into two categories, namely men and women, starting at 05.00 WIB. Central Java Provincial Governor Ganjar Pranowo is virtually encouraging runners. Flag off by Central Java Provincial Secretary Prasetyo Ariwibowo, Director of Corporate Business and Commercialization of Bank Jateng Pujiono, Chairman of Borobudur Marathon Foundation Liem Chi An, and Deputy General Leader of Kompas Budiman Tanuredjo Daily officially marked the start of the marathon.

Even without spectators, 17 men's runners and 9 female runners performed best respectively. Organizers replaced the citizen support with video footage of residents encouraging runners to motivate them to complete the 42,195-kilometer race.

Coming out as elite race champion is Betmen Manurung for the Men category with a travel time of 02:42:25; and Pretty Sihite for the Women category with a travel time of 03:11:51.

Not far from the start of Elite Race, runners who have registered in Borobudur Marathon Virtual Challenge (BMVC) also started running from their respective locations to still feel the euphoria of Borobudur Marathon 2020 Powered by Bank Jateng even virtually.

Elite Race closed with a limited press conference followed by the media only. "We would like to thank Kompas and the committee who have prepared well, to Bank Jateng also who has fully supported and of course to Borobudur Marathon Foundation who have given moral and material spirit. We have not lost momentum this year," said Kadisporapar Central Java Sinung Nugroho.

The desire to #KembaliKeMagelang become the spirit of Borobudur Marathon 2020 Powered by Bank Jateng. #KembaliKeMagelang was inspired by The Bhakti Tirta Bumi Ritual and Perti Ritual, that the spirit of the Borobudur Marathon 2020 Powered by Bank Jateng in the midst of this pandemic is to give back to the people of Magelang for what the people of Magelang have given to Borobudur Marathon so far. This event also encourages public awareness to adhere to health protocols and keep exercising to maintain self-health.

Liem Chi An hopes that this marathon can be held again next year, of course with even better organizing every year. Similarly expressed by Pujiono, "We as a bank owned by the central Java provincial government hope to contribute and continue to support this activity, on the one hand hopefully the Covid-19 pandemic is over so that this event can be re-followed by more participants and can have a positive impact for economic actors and MSMEs in Borobudur and surrounding areas."

The slogan Laras Raga, Laras Jiwa, lan Laras Buana is a reminder that Borobudur Marathon is about balancing the body, soul, and nature harmoniously. Each side moves together in one rhythm with passion and enthusiasm to create an impact for the surrounding community.

"We cannot realize Borobudur Marathon 2020 Powered by Bank Jateng if there is no cooperation and collaboration. We should be proud that this event can be held, but certainly, because this is the era of the pandemic so still have to pay attention to health, one of them with the role of medicine in this event," said Budiman Tanuredjo.

The success of Borobudur Marathon 2020 Powered by Bank Jateng is certainly not separated from the mature preparation of organizers and participants. Ahead of the elite race, the committee held Borobudur Marathon Radio Live online through the Instagram account @borobudur.marathon. This event discusses the plan and strategy of implementing the Borobudur marathon virtual challenge and elite race 2020 health protocol. Health protocols are equally important to run in both marathon formats.

Medical Director of Borobudur Marathon 2020 Powered by Bank Jateng Andi Kurniawan reminded that currently Indonesia is still in the period of the covid-19 pandemic so the implementation of health protocols should be a priority because returning to the original goal of running is to be healthy. Dr. Andi encourages BMVC 2020 participants to run in a healthy, fit body, and not to force themselves beyond the limits of ability. In addition, runners should also avoid crowded running locations and do not run in groups.

Borobudur Marathon Elite Race 2020 Medical Team prepares bubble concept for participants, namely by quarantining elite marathon athletes, preparing sterile training ground, training by keeping distance, and minimizing elite athlete contact with outsiders. The medical team also conducts examinations and monitoring of the health of athletes starting from 14 days before the elite race to keep their health condition awake and reduce the risk of injury. Health checks and tests are also carried out to all crew, invited guests and support teams present directly at the site. One of the prevention efforts through swab tests carried out before and after the race.

With Borobudur marathon radio lives this time, organizers hope that this can be the material of discussion and pilot of running competitions in Indonesia during the pandemic and together maintain the running trend in Indonesia.

(*, dock photo. Daily Compass)