Borobudur Friendship Run 5K Celebrates 81st Anniversary of Central Java

Thousands of residents participated in the Borobudur Friendship Run 5K, enjoying 4,500 free portions of Soto Boyolali and nasi tumpeng, alongside a Cheap Food Movement (GPM), MSME exhibitions, group aerobics, free health checks, and public entertainment.

The Regional Secretary of Central Java Province, Sumarno, stated that this series of activities is part of an effort to build a spirit of togetherness, in line with the theme of Central Java’s 81st anniversary: ‘Jawa Tengah Wolung Pulo Siji, Gumregut Nyawiji’.

“This is a form of what Governor Ahmad Luthfi always conveys: that we cannot work alone; we are not Superman, but we should be a super team,” said Sumarno following the Friendship Run in a written statement on Sunday (30/08/2026).

According to him, the spirit of ‘gumregut’ means being enthusiastic, while ‘nyawiji’ means uniting. This spirit is realised through various activities involving the community and encouraging collaboration.

“So we collaborate; gumregut is being enthusiastic, and nyawiji is us uniting,” he said.

The Friendship Run is part of the series leading up to the Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon, which will be held on 15 November 2026. Approximately 1,000 participants took part in the 5-kilometre run in Boyolali.

Sumarno noted that sports are also a way to encourage the community to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He believes that physical activity can build positive energy while instilling values of sportsmanship and integrity.

In addition to sports, Sumarno viewed the event as a space to introduce local potential. A total of 4,500 portions of Soto Boyolali and nasi tumpeng were provided free of charge to the public.

“This is our way of promoting the culinary delights of Boyolali,” he said.

He noted that Boyolali possesses various potentials that can be developed, ranging from culinary arts and dairy to nature tourism in the Merapi-Merbabu slopes area. The development of nature-based sports, such as trail running, is also seen as a way to strengthen sport tourism in Central Java.

He stated that sporting events can serve as an entry point to attract people from outside the region, encouraging them to eat, shop, and enjoy tourist destinations in Central Java.

Support for local businesses was also provided by Bank Jateng. The Director of Business, Funds, Services, and MSMEs at Bank Jateng, Anna Kusumarita, stated that the bank presented 10 selected and curated MSMEs. These businesses were provided with free booths, allowing them to directly access the market and meet the thousands of attendees.

According to Anna, events like this create direct money circulation and serve as a means of educating the public on digital transactions.

One of the Friendship Run participants, Zida Haskaria, expressed enthusiasm for the event. She wore a unique farmer’s costume while carrying agricultural produce, including bananas, cassava leaves, cassava, eggs, and tubers.

“I am from northern Boyolali, where the majority are farmers. So, I brought the produce from my garden,” said Zida.

Zida admitted she intentionally brought the produce as a representation of life in her region. She managed to complete the 5-kilometre route in approximately 45 minutes, despite running while carrying the agricultural goods.

“The event was exciting, and the route was enjoyable. The five kilometres felt happy; it wasn’t too tiring because there were no ‘uphill climbs of heartbreak’,” she concluded.