Marathon #19: Mandiri Jakarta Marathon

The marathon was on 23 October 2016 at the MONAS. This was a monument in the down town Jakarta.  I had never been to Jakarta, first time seeing the monument was really impressive.  The race itself brings you to all the important sights in the city which can be difficult to go due to the bad traffic.  The route to say is not that bad as it was mainly flat.  However, this time the challenge is the rain.  There was a heavy down pour and all of us were drenched running in the heavy rain.

 

Race Pack Collection

The race pack collection is in downtown Kunningan City Mall.  Kuningan City Mall 2nd floor, Jl. Prof Dr. Satrio Kav 18 Kuningan / Kasablanka, Jakarta Selatan.  This mall has a big Lotte Supermarket in the basement and ample parking space.  BUT traffic was unusually bad for a Sat afternoon when I went to collect the pack.  The race expo was rather simple, there were not many exhibitors like Singapore races.   There are Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 KM, 5 KM and Maratoonz category for the event.  The race information can be found hereJakarta Marathon 2016 Details

 

The race pack is actually very bountiful with facial wash , vitamin, Pain relief cream and many pamphlets for deals and discounts.  There was even a compression guard, but only for one leg.  The race singlet is very cooling and light.  There are actually Red, Green, Blue and Orange version of the race Singlet you cannot chose the colour but all the designs are very nice as it features the various monuments in downtown Jakarta.

RACE ROUTE

The Runnning Routes

To speak the truth, the route is really not that difficult, it does not have many uphills downhills.  Although the traffic already start to come in by around 7, 8 am, the runners were generally not affected because the marshallers will make sure that the traffic is being halted for the runners to run pass first.  The roads in downtown Jakarta are wide and makes it easy for running.  However, some of the roads have potholes and you have to be careful especially if you are barefooter.  There are also many gravels on the road.

Generally, the volunteers are very helpful and all the water points are there as indicated, there was ample water and isotonic drinks.  Although no energy gel was given, there were fruits like banana and water melon being served to the runners.  Along the way you can also see some supporters dressed up to entertain and also some of the Indonesian running groups were there to give their support to the runners.

The race time is clocked by RFID.  So you have to make sure that the RFID tag works well at the race expo.  At the same time, make sure that at any check points your timing is being clocked or there will be no timing recorded.

Race End

Unlike most races where the medal and hydration is straight away presented to you.  This race give you a card when you complete.  With the card, you will proceed to the collection booths to get the drinks, medals and finisher Tee.  In this way , there will not be a human jam at the Finish Line.  For the winners, they even have an elaborately decorated tent for the winners to rest and relax.  It has air-condition facilities inside and also a buffet spread with drinks and breakfast.  Winners can also freshen up themselves or rest in the sofa area there.

The Finisher tee shirt is short sleeved with nice design at the front.  It is also pretty thin and cooling.  In general, I enjoyed the race even though the weather was rainy.  The only draw back is the traffic in Jakarta is really terrible.  However, the city itself does have many things to offer in terms of shopping, dining and relaxation.