Running is fun, and for everyone

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Eko grabbed his medal and held it high, proud to have crossed the finish line in the World Run Day on Sunday, organized by the British International School (BIS) in Bintaro, Tangerang.

Although he did not place in the three-kilometer and five- kilometer non-competitive runs, all participants who made it through the finish line received a medal.

Eko approached his friends while several parents patted his shoulder in congratulations.

"I am thirsty and I need a drink. I am tired but I am happy," he said, still trying to catch his breath.

Eko and his friends -- who have Down's syndrome -- all managed to finish the run, although some needed assistance from their adult companions. Other participants of the run yelled, "Great job," or clapped whenever one of Eko's group made it across the finish line.

Indonesian Down's Syndrome Association (ISDI) chairwoman Aryanti R. Yacub expressed her gratitude to BIS, which had invited Eko and other children to join the fun run, and said the event could be the start of communal recognition of Down's syndrome children.

"This is a very good event for the children. We hope people do not reject them as a part of society. We also hope that the children will be invited to more events after this," she told The Jakarta Post.

The World Run Day, which falls on Nov. 7 every year, is an international fund-raiser in which participants literally run for charity.

Since its establishment in 1999, millions of people in hundreds of cities across the world have participated in the event, running to make a contribution directly to their favorite charity.

This year, around 400 cities held events to mark the day. The fun run organized by BIS was the second to be held in Jakarta, and the only official World Run Day celebration in Indonesia this year.

Paul Starkie, BIS head of Pastoral Care and Community Relations, said around 400 children and adults from both international and local schools participated in the event, which aimed to raise money to help the poor of the surrounding community.

"We managed to raise around Rp 25 million (US$2,747) from this event. And all will go to charity," Starkie told the Post.

A British father and his 10-year-old daughter, who sat down to rest near the finish line, looked tired but happy.

"We are exhausted, but we enjoyed it very much. The atmosphere is fantastic. I think this is a very good event for a family gathering," he said.