TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Every Thursday nights, a number of runners gathers in the lobby of FX Sudirman Mall, Senayan, Jakarta. The runners, up to 50 or 100 people per group, start to run together at 20:00 pm local time.

“The name of the activity is ‘Thursday Night Running’,” said Reza Puspo, the Chairman of Indorunners community.

Most of the runners were women, and they run the route that started from FX Sudirman – Golf Driving Range – Gelora Bung Karno – Baseball Court – and back to FX Sudirman mall. They run through 5-kilometer distance in 30 minutes or more.

According to Reza, the Thursday Night Running was started on Ramadan, 2011 and have been receiving high responses from the participants.

“Up to now it still continues,” said Reza.

The night time is picked because it was the after-working hours of Jakarta citizens, according to Reza.

“Jakarta people love outdoor activities. They got bored with malls, shopping activities, and indoor gym sessions. The outdoor activities are enjoyable,” said Reza who is actively participating in triathlon and marathons in various countries.

However, there is a risk of running at night time. The runners have to be aware of passing vehicles and dark roads. The area near FX Sudirman mall and around Senayan is an ideal place that is comfortable enough to run.

Thursday Night Run becomes a program of Indorunners community to promote night running to Jakarta citizens.

Not only running, the participants were also having fun such as taking selfies or group photos during the run.

KURNIAWAN | HP