Approximately 300 runners participated in the UGM Ultra Charity Run (UUCR) 2025, initiated by Kagama Lari untuk Berbagi. The charity running event took place on December 13 to 14, 2025, with UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM) serving as both the starting and finishing point for all race categories.
The running routes were divided into several segments. The main category, the 76-kilometer distance, was joined by 18 participants, followed by the 60-kilometer category with four participants and the 45-kilometer category with 14 participants.
In the middle-distance categories, the 30-kilometer race attracted 31 runners, while the 15-kilometer category recorded 75 participants. The highest enthusiasm was seen in the 5-kilometer category, which drew the largest number of participants, reaching 139 runners.
UUCR 76K 2025 Race Director Budi Susilo stated that every drop of the participants’ sweat was dedicated to a social cause.
“Tonight, we celebrate our collective kindness. This is not about who reaches the finish line the fastest, but about how we can run while sharing and donating,” Susilo said.
Taking part in Segment 2, UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, joined the 5-kilometer category and greeted the runners enthusiastically at the starting line. She encouraged participants to complete the route for the noble purpose behind the event.
“Let’s stay motivated and finish the next five kilometers for scholarships!” she exclaimed.
Former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo also participated in the run and offered moral support to fellow runners. He invited participants to reflect on each step as an expression of care for others.
“Let us run, let us share. Donate for those in need of scholarships, and hopefully we can also help those affected by disasters,” Pranowo said.
The following morning, Sunday (Dec. 14), the culmination of the charity run series was marked by the symbolic handover of donations to Professor Emilia, as Rector of UGM. The total funds collected up to the final segment amounted to IDR 426,983,558.
Although the running event has concluded, the donation channel remains open until December 31, 2025. All collected funds are planned to be allocated to support the continuity of students’ education as well as assistance for disaster-affected communities.
“Previously, fundraising focused on scholarships for underprivileged UGM students. This year, the donations are not only intended for scholarships for economically disadvantaged UGM students, but also for students in Sumatra and for communities in Sumatra affected by natural disasters,” Pranowo explained.
In addition to monetary donations, participants also contributed logistical assistance in the form of wearable clothing and shoes. These in-kind donations will later be distributed to flood victims in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
The success of UUCR 2025 was also reflected in the number of participants, which nearly tripled compared to the previous year. Ihsan, a Kagama member who has joined the charity run for the third time, expressed his delight at the growing participation.
“In the first and second years, I felt comfortable because we ran together. This year, with even more participants, it’s more exciting, the pace is relaxed, and the sense of togetherness is really there,” said the 2016 alumnus of UGM’s History Program.
Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Fristo Adi