Running events like ASN Runners can strengthen mental health

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono stated that running events like ASN Runners 2026 can improve mental health by making the spirit more resilient, in addition to preventing catastrophic diseases.

Dante said in Jakarta on Wednesday that when participating in activities like a 42 km marathon, the activity does not start only when running in the event itself.

“But our activity starts when we train. Starting from 10 km, increasing by 20% to 12 km, 15 km, 18 km, 20 km, up to 32 km, then we reduce it. So this trains us to start gradually, maintaining not only physical fitness but also our mental ability to stay strong,” he said.

He explained that to complete a 42 km marathon, one needs to run 200-250 km as training, which greatly trains mental endurance.

“Sometimes when running, I also think, ‘why am I running this far, tiring the body’, like that. But over time, it becomes a habit and a pleasure in itself, especially when we are already racing,” said the Deputy Minister of Health.

Therefore, he mentioned that ASN Runners 2026 serves as a starting point to invite the public, especially Civil Servants (ASN), to join in running. According to him, it does not matter if one wants to run fast, slow, or just walk; the important thing is to start, and it has been facilitated by the community.

Dante also highlighted findings from the Free Health Check (CKG) which indicate that 94% of Indonesians lack physical activity. He assessed that collaboration with other parties is necessary to encourage the public to exercise, in order to prevent catastrophic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease.

ASN, he said, as public servants, are also responsible for public health, so ASN also need to encourage everyone to exercise.

“Exercising the community and socialising exercise,” he said.

ASN Runners, an inter-institutional community of runners from civil servants across Indonesia, is organising ASN Runners 2026. In its implementation in 2026, the distance covered for the running event will be 81 km, corresponding to the length of Indonesia’s independence.