IPB Runners: Inspiring a Campus and a City to Run in Bogor
In 2017, on the campus of the prestigious Institut Pertanian Bogor, a new movement began. A student named Mufti and his friends started running together, and their passion for the sport quickly caught on. The idea spread like wildfire among their friends and across the campus, and soon, more and more runners were joining their weekly runs. What began with just a few friends has since evolved into IPB Runners, a thriving community of more than 50 members that has become a cornerstone of the university's fitness culture.
A Community Born on Campus
The philosophy of IPB Runners is rooted in its academic origins and a desire to inspire. Founded by Mufti and his friends, the crew's name is a direct and proud reference to their alma mater, the Institut Pertanian Bogor. Their mission is to be a happy and positive influence, encouraging students and others in the community to take up running and discover the joy of a healthy lifestyle. They have successfully created a welcoming and energetic environment for runners of all levels on their campus.
The culture of IPB Runners is centered around consistency and community. The crew is a common and inspiring sight on campus, showcasing their dedication to the sport and to each other. Their weekly runs are the anchor of their community, providing a regular opportunity for students and other local runners to de-stress, connect with friends, and stay active. This has made them a vital and positive force within the university environment.
An Open Invitation to Run
IPB Runners extends a warm invitation to any student or resident of Bogor who is happy to run with them. They have created a welcoming space for both new and experienced runners to be part of an inspiring community. For the most up-to-date information on their runs, interested individuals are encouraged to follow them on their official social media channels.
The Running Scene in the 'Rain City'
As a pioneering university-based crew, IPB Runners are a central pillar of the running community in Bogor. The city, known as "Kota Hujan" or "Rain City" due to its high annual rainfall, is home to a dedicated and resilient group of athletes. The running scene also includes other local crews and clubs that, together with IPB Runners, have fostered a strong and growing culture of health and fitness.
Bogor is a major city in the West Java province of Indonesia, situated approximately 30 kilometers south of the capital, Jakarta. It sits at a higher elevation, which gives it a noticeably cooler and wetter climate. The city is renowned for the magnificent Bogor Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Bogor), one of the oldest and largest in the world, as well as the adjacent Presidential Palace. This lush, green environment makes it a beautiful, if often damp, place to run.
The running routes in Bogor are scenic and varied. The home base for IPB Runners is the sprawling, green campus of the Institut Pertanian Bogor. A truly iconic route for the entire city is the loop around the perimeter of the vast Bogor Botanical Gardens, which offers a beautiful and historic backdrop for a run. The city's many parks and tree-lined streets also provide excellent options for training.
The running calendar in the greater Jakarta region is filled with events that members of IPB Runners likely participate in. A major local event is the Bogor Marathon, which takes runners on a challenging course through the city's streets and scenic landscapes. The proximity to the capital also facilitates easy participation in major national races, such as the Jakarta Marathon.