KEDIRI – Thousands of runners participated in the East Java Running Festival (EJRF) 2025 held in Kediri on February 23, 2025. This event is part of a series of running festivals previously successfully staged in Banyuwangi. The chief organizer of EJRF 2025, Bagus Ramadhani, shared insights about the festival's diverse categories, including 5K and 10K races split between male and female classes, as well as open and master categories. Overall, there were 12 classes contested.
“We also opened a student category as part of our initiative to nurture young athletes. We hope this can produce future running champions,” stated Ramadhani.
The event saw 1,280 participants registered, with notable officials from the East Java police department present, including Director of Water and Air Police Kombes Pol Arman Ashmara, Head of IT Kombes Pol Adewira Negara Siregar, and Kediri City Police Chief AKBP Bramastyo Priaji. The total prize pool amounted to Rp75 million for each city involved, with Surabaya adding a half marathon category of 21K and prizes awarded based on accumulated scores from all four cities involved.
“This is proof of the mandate from the East Java Police Chief emphasizing safety and wellness across the province. We want the community to grow increasingly aware of the importance of health. Running is a cardio exercise accessible to everyone, and we hope more people across East Java lead healthier lives,” added Ramadhani.
One of the participants, Amram Naftali Opat from Nusa Tenggara Timur, excelled by winning the 10K men’s open category. This victory marked his second win after previously taking the crown at the Banyuwangi event. “I am thrilled to win again. The Kediri track is incredible,” Amram expressed.
Following the Kediri event, the EJRF 2025 will continue to Madiun in April and conclude with the Surabaya event in June. The Kediri City Police Chief expressed his enthusiasm, noting, “We at the Kediri City Police are proud to host this national sporting event. The running route will traverse various cultural and historical sites, such as Jl. Diponegoro, Jl. Brawijaya, and Jl. Yos Sudarso, allowing us to educate participants on community safety.”
“The EJRF 2025 aims to inspire the community toward healthier lifestyles, strengthen communal bonds, and promote local tourism and economic potential,” said Police Chief Bramastyo.
The committee noted the extraordinary response from participants, highlighting the addition of school categories to target early-stage athlete development. “Today’s festival has attracted 1280 runners,” said Ramadhani.
He reiterated the commitment to fostering security and wellness within East Java, emphasizing the importance of mass participation. With the insights provided by police officials, who aim for the province to be safe, healthy, and prosperous, the festival clearly aligns with this vision, inspiring community-wide shifts toward healthier habits.
With four cities hosting this year's EJRF, including Banyuwangi, Kediri, Madiun, and Surabaya, the excitement builds for what’s next after Kediri. The total prize offerings and competitive spirit are set to ramp up interest and participation, signaling the importance of events like EJRF for fostering athletic talent and public engagement.