Around 1,850 participants, comprising 1,450 members of the public and 400 guests and members of the UGM Faculty of Forestry, took part in the Forestry Run on Sunday (Oct. 13) at the Faculty of Forestry’s grounds.
This healthy running event was divided into two categories: 5 kilometers and 10 kilometers. It took place on routes around the eastern campus of UGM. While running, all participants could explore the campus environment.
Thousands of participants in this fun run, including children, teenagers, adults, and even individuals with disabilities, were part of the celebrations for the 61st anniversary of the Faculty of Forestry. Participants were not required to run the entire route but could also stroll.
The run began at 5:30 AM and was officially opened by the Vice-Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems, Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Sigit Sunarta, and the Chief Organizer of Forestry Run 2024, Dr. Hero Marhaento.
Dr. Nugroho stated that this running event promotes running to maintain health and raises awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.
“This running activity commemorating the anniversary of the Faculty of Forestry also emphasizes our concern for forestry, as forests provide oxygen,” he explained.
He reminded everyone to maintain their health while participating energetically in the run. He hoped all participants would complete the route.
Dr. Sunarta mentioned that this Fun Run is part of the 61st-anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Forestry and serves as a gathering for running enthusiasts within the UGM community and the general public.
Meanwhile, Dr. Marhaento expressed hopes that this inaugural running event at the Faculty of Forestry would motivate the community to adopt healthy lifestyles and that such events would be regularly held in the coming years.
“We hope to increase public enthusiasm for sports and promote healthy living through running, making it a routine event at the Faculty of Forestry,” he stated.
The Forestry Run 2024 also featured entertainment, a showcase of small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and sponsors, door prizes, and free health check-ups for participants.
Although there was no official cut-off time for the event, participants who crossed the finish line would receive a medal as a reward. In the 10-kilometer category, there were three podiums for the top three finishers in both male and female categories, each receiving cash prizes worth millions of rupiah.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie