Jakarta Marathon 2013: When the streets of Jakarta swarmed with thousands of runners
Almasalla Travel News – By Ashraf El gedawy – The moon still hung low over the golden “fire tongue” of the iconic National Monument (Monas) and dawn was barely breaking on Sunday, 27 October, when thousands of running enthusiasts complete with running gear came to crowd around Jakarta’s most illustrious landmark. Among them were elite international athletes, professional runners, running enthusiasts, as also those who simply wanted to test their endurance.
Flagged off by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Youth and Sport, Roy Suryo, and Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sapta Nirwandar, the first colossal running event in Indonesia, the Jakarta Marathon 2013 successfully turned the streets of Jakarta into a massive running course.
At precisely 05.00 Western Indonesia Time, the checkered flag was raised and the runners for the full marathon and half marathon took off from the starting line at the Southwest gate of Monas, and the race was ON.
Among elite runners were : Stephen Tum, winner of the Marrakesh Marathon 2013; Markos Geneti , 6th placed in the Boston Marathon, Endeshaw Negese, winner of the Firenze Marathon; Joseph Kirtum , winner of the Hannover Marathon 2013, Alemitu Begna, winner of Houston Marathon; Mulu Seboka Seyfa, 2nd placed in theDaegu Marathon and Diana Chepkemoi , 2nd placed in the Lille Half Marathon.
Fifteen minutes later, the checkered flag rose once again and this time it was for the runners participating in the 5K and 10K. The sight of no less than 10,000 runners making their way through the major streets of Jakarta was truly an amazing spectacle.
Aside from the water and fruit stations along the route, runners were presented with 17 stages which featured Indonesian music and cultural shows. The music and cultural fiestas truly added sparks to the Jakarta Marathon.
At approximately 05.30 Western Indonesia Time, the 5 K runners were the first to make their way back to the finish line. Greeted by huge roars and applause from onlookers, the 10K runners also crossed the finish line with all sorts of excited and victorious expressions. As the sun continued to rise on the horizon, more and more runners appeared at the finish line.
Kenyan Runners Dominated the Winner’s Podium
At 06.07 Western Indonesia Time, Bernard Muthoni from Kenya became the first to cross the finish line in the half marathon male category clocking a total time of 1 Hour, 7 minutes and 26 seconds. Other Kenyan runners, Maregu Hourses followed about 3 minutes later and Kipsang Charles Kipkori secured the third placeregistering a total time of 1 hour 14 minutes and 12 seconds.The Kenyan domination also occurred in the half marathon female category which placed Gladys in the first place with a total time of 1:15:29 followed by Jepkoech Peninah in second and Ann Nijiha in third.
Kenyan Elite runner Chebor William made history as he crossed the finish line for the full Marathon at a total time of 2 hours, 14 minutes and 30 seconds. The winner of the Marakesh Marathon 2013, Stephen Tum claimed second place with a total time of 02:15:35, while Chelimo Kipkemoi took third place with the total time of 02:17:06.
A sad incident, but Governor plans the Second Jakarta Marathon in 2014
While the first Jakarta Marathon gained considerable success, the event , unfortunately, also claimed one casualty. At the 7 km. point, a Jesuit priest, Rector of a Seminary in Central Java, who participated in the Marathon experienced a heart attack and was immediately taken to the hospital , however passed away before arrival. Father Ignatius Sumarya was one of a group of Jesuit priests who participated in the event to collect funds for the Mertoyudan seminary.
On his part, Governor of Jakarta, Joko Widodo – or popularly called Jokowi – who ran a short distance with the kids, expressed his condolences upon being reported of the sad incident.
Governor Jokowi nonetheless, remained confident that such international Sports Event will boost tourism to Jakarta. The Governor plans to review the implementation of the present marathon, to stage an even better organized marathon next year to become a permanent feature in Jakarta’s annual Calendar of Events.
Source : indonesia .travel
