A total of 992 runners participated in the Forestry Run 2025 held at the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Forestry UGM), on Sunday (Oct. 12).
The participants included not only members of the UGM academic community and alumni but also the general public. Covering a five-kilometer route, the event offered participants the chance to circle the UGM campus while enjoying its scenic beauty.
Forestry Run 2025 was part of the series of events celebrating the 62nd anniversary (Dies Natalis) of the Forestry UGM. Carrying a cheerful and inviting slogan, pokok e melu mlayu (“just join the run”), the event was designed as a casual and enjoyable activity that encouraged participants to appreciate nature and the campus environment while exercising.
Before the start flag was raised, the event began with a joint prayer and a warm-up session, followed by a lively performance of Tari Jiwangga by the Aliansi Mahasiswa Nusantara, which brightened the morning atmosphere.
At exactly 6:15 a.m., the runners were officially flagged off by UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, accompanied by the Dean of Forestry UGM, Dr. Sigit Sunarta.
Rector Emilia enthusiastically greeted the runners, sharing light-hearted rhymes that drew laughter and applause from the crowd.
“Hopefully, today’s event will run smoothly,” said Professor Emilia before closing her remarks with a playful rhyme: ‘Ubur-ubur ikan lele, Forestry Run 2025 keren le!’ (“Too fun and chaotic, Forestry Run 2025 is fantastic!”).
Meanwhile, Dean Sunarta expressed his deep appreciation to everyone involved in the event. He explained that Forestry Run was one of many activities prepared to mark the Faculty’s anniversary.
“The essence of this event is to have fun together while promoting physical well-being. Through activities like this, we hope to live our lives healthily and joyfully,” said Dr. Sunarta, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive lifestyle.
The festive spirit of the event was also felt by alumni who came from various regions. Agus Suwarno, an alumnus from the Forestry UGM class of ’91 who traveled from Semarang, shared his joy.
“It feels great to reunite with my classmates and return to the place where I once studied,” he said, noting that he could join the run comfortably thanks to his prior preparation.
A similar sentiment was shared by Rendy Agus Firmansyah, who considered the event a special occasion as it coincided with the 25-year reunion of his cohort.
“After 25 years, I’m back on campus to reconnect and celebrate together with friends,” said Firmansyah.
The participation of alumni highlighted Forestry Run’s success as an event that not only promoted fitness but also strengthened friendship and nostalgia.
After completing the run, participants joined an energetic Zumba session for cooling down, followed by live music from The Dealines and the distribution of hundreds of door prizes across various categories. The event also featured local MSME booths and free health checks.
Filled with music, laughter, and excitement, Forestry Run 2025 concluded as more than just a running event; it became a celebration of togetherness, wellness, and the enduring spirit of the UGM community.
Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Salwa