Merdeka Run 2026 Draws 12,000 Participants, Surpassing Initial Target

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, praised the public’s enthusiasm for the Merdeka Run 2026, held to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Erick said the number of participants increased from the initial target of 8,000 to 12,000.

“Happy, proud, and moved. This year’s Merdeka Run was a tremendous success. The number of participants, which was initially 8,000, increased to 12,000. The participants received medals,” Erick said in the area of the National Monument (Monas), Jakarta, Saturday, August 29, 2026.

According to him, the high public enthusiasm reflects growing awareness of the importance of maintaining physical fitness through sports activities, particularly running. He expressed his appreciation to the public for making exercise part of a healthy lifestyle.

“Thank you to the public for demonstrating a healthy lifestyle. Exercising is an investment in the future, namely in our health,” he said.

Erick also thanked President Prabowo Subianto for his support for the implementation of Merdeka Run 2026. In addition to the running event, the activity featured fighter jet flyovers, a drone show, and a skydiving demonstration.

Merdeka Run 2026 also served as a warm-up event for a number of male and female national runners preparing to compete in international sporting events, including the 2026 Asian Games.

“We invited national male and female athletes who will compete at the 2026 Asian Games and other events to start preparing, because the Asian Games are only a few weeks away,” Erick said.

He added that several public figures and running enthusiasts also attended the event, including Gisella Anastasia and Fanny Ghasani. “The public figures who attended are also runners, not simply people joining in for the sake of it. Thank you for your enthusiasm,” Erick said.

Merdeka Run 2026 was held as part of the celebrations marking the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. The event featured four categories: Open, Masters, Wheelchair, and Family. Participants with disabilities also took part and successfully completed the race, crossing the finish line.