Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the Kagama Lari Untuk Berbagi (KLUB) community, is again organizing the UGM Trail Run in 2024.
This event, held as part of UGM’s 75th anniversary celebration, focuses on sports and promotes the theme “Run, Edu, Care,” emphasizing the importance of education and environmental awareness.
Budhi Rahyono, the event’s chairman, announced that this year’s UGM Trail Run will take place at Karang Pramuka Field in Kaliurang. The event, scheduled for Oct. 5-6, 2024, will feature four running categories: 7K, 15K, 25K, and 50 K.
“We are ready to welcome runners from all over to experience the unique thrill of running while enjoying the natural beauty of Mount Merapi and the warmth of Yogyakarta’s hospitality,” said Budhi Rahyono during the UGM Trail Run 2024 press conference on Wednesday (Aug. 29) at the Alana Hotel Yogyakarta.
The theme “Run, Edu, Care” aligns with the primary objective of the UGM Trail Run, which is to encourage alumni to contribute to good causes. All proceeds from the UGM Trail Run will be allocated for educational scholarships.
The event will also collaborate with Mount Merapi National Park (TNGM) to provide education on the conservation of the park’s ecosystem.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia emphasized that the UGM Trail Run 2024 manifests the university’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle while raising environmental awareness.
She hopes participants will gain a new experience interacting with nature and their surroundings.
“The UGM Trail Run is not just an ordinary race. It is an innovative platform we designed to educate the public about the importance of environmental preservation, especially in the Mount Merapi area, while promoting a healthy lifestyle,” stated Rector Emilia.
Dr. Arie Sudjito, UGM’s Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, explained that information stations will be set up along the running route to highlight interesting facts about Mount Merapi.
In addition to the educational aspect, the UGM Trail Run 2024 also emphasizes tangible social contributions, with a portion of the registration fees being allocated to scholarship programs for underprivileged students.
“We are collaborating with UGM volcanology experts to design educational content delivered through digital information boards along the route. Participants can scan QR codes at each station to access more detailed information,” he explained.
Author: Agung Nugroho