Hundreds of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) scholars and staff once again joined the “Run and Walk” program, regularly organized by the Integrated Health Service Bureau, on Friday (Sep. 12) at the Bulaksumur complex. This edition featured a three-kilometer route.
Beyond promoting exercise, the “Run and Walk” also fostered togetherness among the academic community.
One participant, Arfikah Istari, a staff member from the Graduate School (SPs UGM), said the event was a refreshing way to reignite enthusiasm for sports.
“It feels great, like recharging again. Besides, I also got to know colleagues from different units,” she said during the walk that started from the south wing of the UGM Central Office.
A similar sentiment was shared by Fahmi from the Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory (LPPT UGM). He said he enjoyed both the exercise and the refreshments provided.
According to him, the event would be even more engaging if it offered a variety of distance options, such as 3K, 5K, or a leisurely walk.
“Since this is a run and walk, everyone at UGM has different running abilities,” he suggested.
In addition to the main sporting activity, participants were treated to refreshments through collaboration with The Ascott Limited team.
The partnership involved several hotel management groups, including POP Sangaji, POP Timoho, POP Malioboro, POP Semarang, and Kimaya Sudirman Yogyakarta.
During the welcoming session, Faldi Syah, representing the Central Java and Yogyakarta area team, expressed appreciation for the positive relationship between the hospitality industry and the UGM community.
He thanked UGM for the warm welcome and the opportunity to support the September edition of “Run and Walk.”
Samuel, Operational Manager of Kimaya Sudirman Yogyakarta, highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration, strengthening connections between hotels and the UGM community.
He expressed hope that future events could expand to faculty-level activities.
“It would be more structured and focused at the faculty level, so participation can be more evenly spread. This is a great way for hotels and the academic community to interact,” Samuel said.
A similar expectation was voiced by organizer Dita Margarini. She noted that the collaboration brought a fresh atmosphere to the routine “Run and Walk” activity.
Margarini hoped the positive synergy would continue, especially with The Ascott Limited, through future collaborations.
“We hope partnerships like this will be sustainable and bring benefits to everyone, encouraging us all to stay active and healthy,” she said.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Firsto Adi