A total of 2,300 participants took part in the UGM Trail Run Edu Care 2025 held over two days, 20–21 September 2025, with the start and finish lines located at Gelora Hargobinangun, Kaliurang, Sleman, Yogyakarta.
The participants competed in four race categories: 7K (887 runners), 15K (715 runners), 30K (424 runners), and 50K (178 runners), along with several guests in selected categories.
The 50K category started on Saturday evening (Sep. 20) at 8:00 p.m., followed by the 30K at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday (Sep. 21), the 15K at 5:00 a.m., and the 7K at 6:00 a.m.
Several international runners also participated in the event, including those from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Czech Republic, Morocco, and Colombia.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia stated that the fifth UGM Trail Run was organized by Kagama Lari untuk Berbagi (KLUB).
She emphasized that the event remains the only trail running competition held on the southern slopes of Mount Merapi.
“Stay motivated. Good morning, everyone. Enjoy the exercise, enjoy the run, and return safely,” said Professor Emilia as she flagged off participants in the 7K category on Sunday morning (Sep. 21).
The high enthusiasm for running led to several changes in this year’s UGM Trail Run, including adjustments to the venue, categories, and race routes. The 15K race, though shorter than the other two main distances, was made special by the addition of the Kagama Group category, serving as a platform for interfaculty alumni competition.
A similar sentiment was expressed by UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito.
He noted that UGM Trail Run 2025 was part of the university’s 76th Anniversary celebrations, highlighting its role in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
He added that the event reflected continuous collaboration with Kagama to encourage both the UGM academic community and the wider public to live healthily and share their experiences with others.
“Run Edu and Care, this morning, we are happy to begin fulfilling our commitment to maintaining a healthy life. Universitas Gadjah Mada hopes this partnership will strengthen our contribution to building a healthier nation. Through healthy running, we demonstrate our commitment, and we hope this nation grows healthier,” said Dr. Sujito.
One of the most memorable participants was Fifi Liu, who celebrated her 49th birthday during the event on Sunday (Sep. 21). She completed the 50K race, making the occasion even more meaningful.
“Last year, in the same category, I finished second, but this year I finished fifth. That’s okay, it’s still exciting to run while enjoying the view of Mount Merapi,” she said.
Anton, a 30K runner from Yogyakarta, shared a similar experience. He described the UGM Trail Run 2025 as both enjoyable and challenging. He hopes the event will continue in the future to maintain its unique appeal.
“Those who haven’t tried it should give it a go. The excitement comes from running up and down the trails while enjoying the view of Merapi,” he said.
Chair of the UGM Trail Run 2025 Committee, Budi Susila, explained that Kaliurang was deliberately chosen again as the venue to help stimulate the local economy by attracting more tourists to Yogyakarta, particularly the Kaliurang area and Mount Merapi National Park.
The cool forest air, the hospitality of local residents, and the scenic beauty of Merapi’s slopes created a memorable running experience for participants.
Carrying the theme “Run-Edu-Care,” Susila added, this year’s event partnered with Mount Merapi National Park to showcase endemic flora and fauna and local community products.
The Department of Geological Engineering also contributed by providing education on disaster mitigation and the geological aspects of Mount Merapi.
“As part of the UGM Trail Run’s social commitment, a portion of the registration fees is allocated as scholarships for underprivileged UGM students. In 2025, KLUB awarded scholarships to 39 students. Meanwhile, winners this year received a total of IDR 112,500,000 in cash prizes along with various sponsored products,” said Susila.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Firsto Adi