A total of 1200 participants took part in the 2025 Equal Run held at the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) campus on Sunday, Feb 16, 2025.
The healthy run featured three categories: a 3K, a 5K Fun Run, and a 10K Race. Participants came from various groups, including UGM faculty, students, Nordic walkers, people with disabilities, families, and professional runners.
Participants could run or enjoy a casual walk in this event, especially for friends with disabilities and Nordic walkers.
This health and equality run, initiated by UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) and UGM Academic Hospital (RSA UGM), reflects their commitment to promoting inclusivity in society and celebrating FK-KMK UGM’s 79th anniversary, RSA UGM’s 13th anniversary, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital’s 43rd anniversary, and Dr. Soeradji Tirtonegoro General Hospital’s 97th anniversary.
Dr. Darwito, Director of RSA UGM, stated that the event embraces equality and collaboration, blending sports, health, and togetherness while celebrating diversity.
“Equal Run is designed as a sports event for the community to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. It also serves as part of the sport and wellness tourism initiative, showcasing Yogyakarta as a destination for sports and mental health tourism,” he said.
He mentioned that the run serves as a platform for health promotion and education about Yogyakarta’s health and wellness tourism services besides being a sporting event.
Each participant had the chance to learn more about available health services and benefit from ongoing health innovations.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia and FK-KMK Dean Professor Yodi Mahendradhata flagged off the participants at 5:30 AM WIB, signaling the event’s start.
“For all Equal Run 2025 participants, I wish you a smooth journey and hope everyone crosses the finish line safely,” Rector Emilia said as she waved the flag at the Grha Sabha Pramana courtyard.
She remarked that Equal Run 2025 could be a fun, inclusive event that inspires many to maintain their health.
“We hope Equal Run 2025 becomes an inclusive event that encourages all community members to engage in healthy and enjoyable physical activities,” she added.
Professor Mahendradhata expressed his gratitude to all the participants.
“I appreciate everyone who joined us today. I hope the runners can enliven Equal Run and inspire the surrounding campus community to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
In addition to the run, FK-KMK and RSA UGM also collaborated with several Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that partner with RSA UGM to participate and add to the event’s excitement.
“We’re not only focusing on the sports aspect; Equal Run also empowers the local community and strengthens beneficial partnerships for society,” he added.
Dr. Wuri Handayani, a lecturer at the UGM’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) and one of the participants with disabilities who joined the 3K category, expressed her joy at participating in Equal Run 2025 and appreciating the inclusion of people with disabilities.
“Thirteen students with disabilities and I joined this event. We were thrilled to be involved in planning an accessible route for people with various disabilities,” she said.
She noted that the event was generally smooth, and the route was accessible to all participants with disabilities.
“However, there were still vehicles on the track, even inside the campus. The paving surface was also difficult to navigate and posed risks for wheelchair users. We hope UGM will continue to hold similar inclusive events for all participants,” she added.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang
Photographer: Firsto