MAGELANG - The Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon 2025 is back with an increased number of participants, with 38 countries participating. The Borobudur Marathon's upgraded status, receiving the Elite Label from World Athletics, has also impacted attendance. This success has even made Central Java a marathon icon.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi expressed his enthusiasm when officially opening the Borobudur Marathon in the Lumbini Park area of the Borobudur Temple complex, Magelang Regency, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, morning WIB. The event saw 11,500 participants, indicating a significant increase.
"The Borobudur Marathon has been upgraded. It's now an elite marathon, meaning it's world-class. Runners from 38 countries are participating, indirectly attracting Central Java as an investment destination," said the Governor.
Ahmad Luthfi further explained that the Borobudur Marathon, supported by Kompas media, is not just a running event but also includes tourism that stimulates the local economy, especially MSMEs. Moreover, the Borobudur Marathon, now in its ninth year, has become an integral part of the local culture.
According to the Governor, the high enthusiasm of participants in the marathon has proven to have a real impact on the growth of regional revenue (PAD) and the local economy. This is why Ahmad Luthfi wants to create more marathon events in various regions of Central Java.
"Not just regional or national events, but also international ones. For example, in the future, Central Java could have a moon marathon, night marathon, beach marathon, and even a mountain marathon," he said.
"The Borobudur Marathon will be a catalyst for other marathons. We will hold this event on a regular basis. With so many marathon events, Central Java is expected to become a global marathon icon," added the former Central Java Police Chief.
On that occasion, Ahmad Luthfi also expressed his appreciation for the participants' enthusiasm. The committee has even prepared bonuses totaling Rp 600 million for record-breakers in each category, for both female and male runners. These bonuses will also be given to record-breakers specifically for participants from Central Java.
"We have prepared Rp 600 million from Bank Jateng. Both male and female record-breakers, as well as children and special runners from Central Java, will receive a total of Rp 600 million," he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir stated that the successful implementation of the Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon could encourage the holding of marathon series in Indonesia. Furthermore, the Borobudur Marathon could become one of the events on the agenda.
The Minister also expressed his appreciation to the Central Java Provincial Government for supporting major events like the Borobudur Marathon. He said that having so many governments support such major events would be a great commitment to holding world-class events.
"I'm open and I'm also just learning, meaning we can push this marathon event. So we will study and commit to how we can hold a world-class event," he said.
In the race, Kenyan runners dominated the Borobudur Marathon. Male and female runners dominated the half marathon (21.097 km) and full marathon (42.195 km).
In the men's full marathon, eight Kenyan runners secured first through eighth place. Meanwhile, in the women's marathon, Kenya placed six of the eight runners, including three in the top three.
Meanwhile, in the men's half marathon, Bahraini runner Dawit Fikadu Admasu broke Kenya's dominance by taking first place. Kenyan runners secured second through fifth place.
In the women's half marathon, three Kenyan runners demonstrated their resilience, securing first and third place. In fourth and fifth place, Indonesian runners managed to keep pace with the three Kenyan runners.
Runner Peter Ndungocou Wanyoike, who finished fifth in the half marathon, expressed his impression of the crowd and enthusiasm.
"Runners from our country really dominated. Even the spectators seemed to know that many Kenyan runners were present and dominating. Every time we passed, they shouted, 'Kenya, Kenya, Kenya!' Unlike other runners, they shouted continents, like Europe and America," said Peter, who admitted facing a tough challenge with the new Borobudur Marathon route, which has many uphill and downhill sections.
"The route was interesting and challenging. There were uphill and downhill sections. It wasn't just a one-off event. I enjoyed racing here. I'll definitely join again next year. Indonesia hosts many marathons. Many runners from our country know that your country often hosts marathons," he said.
Peter Ndungocou Wanyoike
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