Published on August 21, 2014
Image courtesy of the Indonesia Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy
Indonesia’s capital city Jakarta is ready to show its sunnier, more festive side – and what better way is there than a marathon? Runners jostling at the Jakarta Marathon’s starting line will have more than just 42km of Jakarta highway to contend with – they’ll find Jakarta’s most notable landmarks and experience musical performances along the way.
In 2014, the Jakarta Marathon kicks off on the morning of October 26; the 42-kilometre route begins and ends at the southwest gate of the National Monument, or Monas, in the centre of Jakarta. The rest of the route winds across the metropolis, going through Pluit and Bung Karno Stadium, racing past landmarks like the Istiqlal Mosque, Fatahillah Square, and the Hotel Indonesia roundabout.
Several cultural and art presentations will also be held along the race route, showcasing the best of Betawi, traditional Indonesian and contemporary culture – from Minahasan bamboo music to Betawi Ondel-Ondel and Gambang Kromong.
Patience and speed will not go unrewarded; top competitors contend for over $414,000 in cash prizes.
For runners unable (or unwilling) to go the full 42km distance, shorter race categories are also open: a half-marathon (21km), a 10km, a 5km, and a special 1.3km race for children. All categories considered, about 15,000 runners are expected to join what is perhaps Jakarta’s biggest running event, and certainly its most colorful.
Elsewhere on the Web: Read Indonesia Travel’s official page on the Jakarta Marathon, Indonesia’s Biggest Running Event, or at the Jakarta Marathon’s official site.
