Draft:Borobudur Marathon
| Borobudur Marathon | |
|---|---|
| Date | November |
| Location | Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia |
| Event type | Road |
| Distance | Marathon, half marathon, 10K run[1] |
| Primary sponsor | Bank Jateng |
| Established | 2016 in its current format |
| Official site | Official website |
| Participants | Around 10,500 participants |
The Borobudur Marathon (officially titled the Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon for sponsorship purposes) is an annual road marathon held in the vicinity of Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. In addition to the full marathon (42.195 kilometers), the event features 10K and half marathon categories, catering to a diverse range of runners.
The Borobudur Marathon is recognized as a World Athletics Label Road Race or the first time in its 2024 edition, signifying its high standards of organization, competitive field, and international appeal. It is also a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), further highlighting its global stature.
Traditionally held in November, the marathon attracts elite athletes and recreational runners from across the globe. The race is known not only for its challenging course but also for the scenic views of Central Java’s cultural and natural heritage, including the iconic Borobudur Temple and surrounding rural landscapes.
History
[edit]Running events in the Borobudur area have a long history. In 1990, Bob Hasan, then Chairman of the Indonesian Athletics Association (Persatuan Atletik Seluruh Indonesia, PASI), initiated a 10-kilometer race called the Borobudur 10K. The event gained significant prestige and attracted several top international runners at the time.
The tradition of running events near Borobudur continued with the Borobudur Interhash in 2012, organized by businessman Liem Chie An. In 2013, Liem also initiated the Borobudur 10K, which saw participation from 15,000 runners.
In 2015, the event expanded to include a half marathon category. The following year, in 2016, the full marathon category was introduced, marking a significant milestone in the event’s history. From that year onward, the race officially became known as the Borobudur Marathon.
Pandemic era
[edit]In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted activities worldwide, including sporting events, as strict restrictions were imposed to curb the spread of the virus. However, the organizers of the Borobudur Marathon decided to proceed with the event under stringent health protocols.
Under the theme “Rhythm of Soul,” the 2020 Borobudur Marathon adopted a hybrid format. The in-person race was limited to just 50 elite runners and conducted with rigorous safety measures. Meanwhile, the virtual race attracted 9,090 participants from across Indonesia, enabling broader engagement while adhering to pandemic restrictions.
In 2021, the Borobudur Marathon adopted the theme “Symphony of Energy,” reflecting the event’s ambition to unite various stakeholders in advancing the ecosystem of sports tourism. This theme aimed to inspire collaboration among athletes, communities, and local industries, especially in the context of recovery from the pandemic.
By 2022, as the COVID-19 pandemic became more manageable, the Borobudur Marathon embraced the theme “Stronger to Victory” as a celebration of resilience and recovery. The event brought together runners, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), local communities, and other stakeholders in a shared spirit of triumph over adversity.
Race course
[edit]The Borobudur Marathon route is known for its challenging terrain, as the Borobudur area features many uphill and downhill roads.
Runners in the marathon category will encounter a total of approximately 320 meters of elevation gain. For the half-marathon route, the total elevation gain is around 160-170 meters, while the 10K runners will face an elevation gain of less than 70 meters.
One of the most iconic and challenging sections of the marathon is the hill at kilometer 35. In the half-marathon category, a similarly tough ascent appears at kilometer 17. Both hills share the same characteristic: a descent followed by a long and demanding climb. The kilometer 35 hill is particularly daunting for marathon runners as it marks the final cut-off point (COP), adding extra pressure for those striving to complete the race within the time limit.[3]
This combination of steep inclines and beautiful but tough terrain makes the Borobudur Marathon a unique and demanding challenge for runners, testing both physical endurance and mental determination.
External links
[edit]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
2022.raceswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ UTAMI, KRISTI DWI (2023-11-16). "Kronik Sejarah Borobudur Marathon, Terus Bertumbuh dan Berinovasi". kompas.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ UTAMI, NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO, KRISTI DWI (2023-11-17). "Rute Sarat Tanjakan Menanti Pelari Borobudur Marathon". kompas.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-12-08.
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