Running Events Proliferate in Central Java, Becoming a New Magnet for Sport Tourism

Dozens of running events have been successfully held between January and September 2026, ranging from community agendas, fun runs, and runs for charity to national and international scales. In September 2026 alone, running events were organised in various areas, including Semarang City, Semarang Regency, Banyumas Regency, and Surakarta City.

One of the latest running events is the Solo Run Fest 2026, held at the Manahan Stadium-Taman Balekambang in Surakarta. The event was attended by approximately 7,000 runners across half marathon, 10K, and 5K categories, including elite runners, masters, and students.

There was also the Gajah Trail Run (GTR) Ultra in Semarang Regency, featuring a route traversing three mountains: Mount Gajah, Mount Telomoyo, and Mount Kendil. Meanwhile, in Semarang City, the Sultan Agung Fun Run took place, starting at the Central Java Governor’s Office.

Last week, the Bank Jateng Friendship Run 2026 was also held in Semarang City as a warm-up for the Borobudur Marathon 2026. This event was attended by around one thousand runners from various backgrounds. A similar event was previously held in August in Boyolali Regency.

The Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi, and the Regional Secretary of Central Java, Sumarno, were noted to have participated in several running events throughout the year. On various occasions, Luthified observed that the potential of running events lies not only in revitalising sport tourism but also in stimulating the regional economy.