The Kagama Lari untuk Berbagi (KLUB) running community is once again hosting the Road to UGM Trail Run, now entering its fifth year. As a warm-up for the 2025 UGM Trail Run, two main activities, a 5K Fun Run and a press conference, were held on Saturday (Jul. 5) at Wisma Kagama.
This year, the UGM Trail Run offers four race categories: 7K, 15K, 30K, and 50K, making the event more accessible to beginner runners.
Unlike conventional running events, the 2025 UGM Trail Run presents a unique concept that promotes not only physical well-being but also serves as a platform for cross-cultural networking, community building, and social outreach.
“Running is a lifestyle. It’s not only about health, but also about building networks and fostering social connections,” said Dr. Arie Sujito, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni at UGM.
Budi Rahyono, Chair of the 2025 UGM Trail Run Committee, explained that the event is supported by alumni communities, local runners, and national sponsors, and carries the spirit of running for a cause. The alumni runners grouped under KLUB allocate a portion of participant registration fees to support UGM students in need.
“Our main concept is how we, as alumni, can be useful. A large portion of the registration fees will be distributed to support underprivileged students. So it’s not just about running; it’s also about giving back,” he explained.
Beyond promoting sports and wellness, UGM Trail Run embraces a social mission through its charity program. A portion of the registration fees will be used to fund educational support for UGM students outside the regular scholarship scheme, such as final-year students from underprivileged backgrounds or those enrolled under affirmative action programs.
“These are students who are not covered by conventional funding sources and are often struggling to complete their final projects,” said Rahyono.
The aid distribution process does not take place immediately after the event. Instead, funds collected from the UGM Trail Run will be combined with donations raised through a follow-up event, the UGM Ultra Charity Run, which is usually held in December.
During this event, alumni runners cover a distance of 76 kilometers while fundraising from the public. Donations from both events will then be symbolically presented during UGM’s anniversary celebration as a tangible expression of alumni commitment to sustaining education at UGM.
To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, the organizing committee has prepared numerous water stations, medical posts, and marshals along the route, including those stationed near the tail end of the run. Clear directional signs and trail markers will also be installed to minimize the risk of participants getting lost.
“To anticipate any unforeseen circumstances, we’ve partnered from the outset with a trusted race organizer known for a clean safety record. This was a key criterion in selecting our event partner,” said Budi.
The 2025 UGM Trail Run is scheduled to take place on Sep. 20–21, 2025, in the Gelora Hargobinangun area, Kaliurang. Organizers expect up to 2,000 participants, with registration open to the general public, including international participants currently in Indonesia. The event will serve as the opening activity for the 76th Anniversary of Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson