Bank Jateng Friendship Run Semarang 2026 Successfully Held, 1,100 Runners Warm Up Ahead of Borobudur Marathon

SEMARANG, KOMPAS.com – The main stage at the Central Java Governor's Office courtyard was filled with around 1,100 runners from various regions and communities on Sunday (20/9/2026). 

They gathered to enliven the Bank Jateng Friendship Run Semarang 2026 event.

This relaxed 5-kilometer run (Fun Run 5K) served as the official warm-up or pacer event for running enthusiasts preparing for the grand decennial celebration of the Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon (BJBM) 2026.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that the Semarang event was the second warm-up edition following the success of the first held in Boyolali Regency on August 30, 2026.

"The runners are the initial warm-up for the activities to be held at the Borobudur Marathon on November 15 in Borobudur. This is the second round; the first was in Boyolali," Luthfi said to reporters on Sunday (20/9/2026).

Luthfi praised the collaborative concept combining running sports with the empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM). 

Borobudur Marathon Targets to Become an International Event

KOMPAS.COM/Muchamad Dafi Yusuf Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi after participating in the Bank Jateng Friendship Run Semarang event, Sunday (20/9/2026).

"Our concept is that Bank Jateng cooperates with UMKM. Here, we not only focus on sports aspects but also on how to boost new economic growth in our region through UMKM. Because the economic backbone of Central Java, the 'big bone' if you will, is UMKM," Luthfi emphasized.

Luthfi hopes that the success of involving UMKM in this event and previous major events can continue up to the pinnacle of the Borobudur Marathon in Magelang on November 15, 2026.

"My hope is that the Borobudur Marathon will become an international event. Last year, it was attended by participants from 58 countries, and we expect even more this year, possibly exceeding last year's expectations. This means the Borobudur Marathon will become an international icon belonging to the world, not just Central Java or Indonesia," he added.

Empowering Partner UMKM and Race Village Atmosphere

Carrying the main philosophy "Decade of Legacy: Celebrating What Has Been Achieved, Welcoming the Journey Ahead," this event reflects 10 years of synergy between Bank Jateng and the people of Central Java.

At the Race Village area, organizers showcased 10 selected partner UMKM chosen through intensive curation from the network of Bank Jateng's Semarang branch offices.

A variety of local culinary products were offered to delight runners, ranging from Tumbas In (fruit juices and spring rolls), Jajan Yokk (dimsum and gohyong), Bakso Selera Lestari, Roti Pejuang, Madura Chicken Satay by Cak Samsul, Dapoer Cecan, Nasi Kebuli, Point Pizza, Kebab Merah Putih, to Kavala Coffee.

The lively Race Village was also colored by stage entertainment performances, a Best Costume competition, and the distribution of exclusive collectible jerseys featuring icons of Semarang City.