More than 6,000 participants took part in the Jogja Run D-City event held on Sunday morning (May 24) at the UGM campus. The 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races started and finished on Pancasila Street, directly in front of the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK). Participants from both the academic community and the general public walked through several iconic areas in central Yogyakarta, from Mangkubumi Street to Malioboro.
A festive atmosphere filled the starting line as Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) Chair of Commissioners Anggito Abimanyu prepared to flag off the runners. Accompanied by UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia, Indonesian Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat, and Transmedia Group owner Chairul Tanjung (CT), Abimanyu encouraged participants before the race began. He expressed hope that all runners would successfully complete the course and emerge as winners.
“Hopefully, everyone becomes a champion,” he said.
Beyond the competition for speed in the 10K category, the event also offered lively entertainment through the 5K category. Hundreds of participants showcased their creativity in pursuit of the Best Costume award. Costumes ranging from Dayak traditional attire and Ultraman to fairy-themed outfits, dragon carriers, and Mbok Raminten cosplay successfully drew laughter and applause from spectators along the route.
One of the standout participants was Santi, an alumna of the UGM Faculty of Forestry from Wonosari, who chose a Maleficent-themed costume. She explained that, in addition to being unique, the costume was selected for its comfort when wearing a hijab and for not disturbing other participants.
“I wanted to express creativity while running. The costume is also not too hot because I carefully considered it from the beginning, so it would not bother others while still allowing me to feel comfortable,” she said.
The excitement peaked as participants crossed the finish line. The exhaustion from the race was rewarded with refreshments provided by the committee. The atmosphere around GIK UGM transformed into a festival-like setting, enlivened by rows of MSME booths and various interactive games organized by LPS and other participating booths.
In the men’s 10K category, African runner James Ndungu Kahura claimed first place with a time of 30 minutes and 21 seconds. Second place went to Jimnah Kuria Kariuki with a time of 30 minutes and 26 seconds, followed by Amos Cheuiyot Kirui at 30 minutes and 43 seconds.
Meanwhile, in the women’s 10K category, Evangeline Makena secured first place with a time of 35 minutes. Odekta Elvina Naibaho finished second with a time of 35 minutes and 16 seconds, followed by Sharun Ndanu at 36 minutes and 43 seconds. In addition to the race competition, the Best Costume award for women went to Icha Herunia, while the men’s category went to Ronal.
The collaboration between Transmedia Group, UGM, Bank Indonesia, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Ministry of Finance, and LPS successfully created a lively and memorable running event. The celebration reached its peak when Ndarboy Genk performed on stage and invited participants gathered at the Joglo GIK UGM area to dance together.
During the performance, Anggito Abimanyu and Chairul Tanjung, accompanied by Taufik Hidayat, symbolically presented a scholarship donation of Rp805 million to UGM. CT explained that the funds came entirely from participant registration fees collected through Jogja Run D-City registrations.
“The money you spent on tickets has been fully donated to UGM student scholarships. Nothing was deducted at all. The total amount is Rp805,015,084,” said CT.
CT added that the scholarship fund would later be supplemented by LPS to reach a total of Rp1 billion.
“Don’t worry, LPS will round it up to Rp1 billion,” he added.
Professor Ova Emilia expressed her gratitude for the scholarship donation, emphasizing that the entire fund would be allocated to support students’ academic progress.
“This scholarship is intended to help students complete their studies. Thank you for this scholarship support for UGM,” Professor Ova Emilia concluded.
Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Firsto