Rush Runners: The Jakarta 'Solemates' Born to RUn and SHare
The story of Rush Runners begins with a powerful moment of unity. In October 2013, at the inaugural Jakarta Marathon, ten friends ran and finished the 10 K race together, crossing the finish line hand in hand. From this profound experience of shared achievement, a new crew was born. They started with weekly Thursday night runs, and as those runners brought more friends, the crew grew bigger and bigger, becoming a major force for positivity in the Indonesian capital.
A Philosophy of 'Solemates'
The philosophy of Rush Runners is brilliantly captured in their name and mottos. The name is an acronym for their mission to RUn and SHare, while their guiding principle is "We are more than runners. We are solemates." This reflects their deep commitment to friendship and community. They also embrace the idea of being "Always junior runners," which signifies a humble and open mindset, always ready to learn and grow. The founders created the crew to encourage people, especially "the young hearts," to start a healthy lifestyle at a time when running was just beginning to boom in their country.
The culture of Rush Runners is active, supportive, and incredibly social. They run together at least three times a week, with social runs on weekdays and long runs on weekends to build endurance. During race season, they add focused interval and speed sessions to their schedule to help members prepare for their goals. This consistent and varied training, combined with their strong social bond, has created a dynamic and motivating environment for runners of all levels.
A Community with a Global Heart
The community of Rush Runners is built on a foundation of local connection and a global outlook. They actively support the #CrewLove movement worldwide and maintain strong relationships with other running crews throughout Indonesia. Furthermore, their members regularly travel to participate in races abroad, taking every opportunity to connect with other running crews in different countries and act as proud ambassadors for the Jakarta running scene.
Rush Runners extends a particularly warm and open invitation to any foreign visitor to Jakarta looking for company on a run. They are more than happy to welcome visitors into their pack and share the joy of their city with them. For anyone looking to connect with this inspiring community, they are encouraged to reach out via their official social media channels.
The Jakarta Running Scene
As one of the city's established crews, Rush Runners are a key part of the massive and energetic running scene in Jakarta. The Indonesian capital is home to a multitude of other crews, including the pioneering Running Rage, the women-focused LadyRushers, and the food-loving MAEM running club. This diverse and vibrant ecosystem ensures that every runner can find their community in the city.
The city of Jakarta, the sprawling capital of Indonesia, is a bustling megacity that provides a dynamic backdrop for its passionate running community. The city's energy is infectious, and for its millions of residents, running offers a powerful and necessary escape from the urban grind. A central hub for the entire city's running community is the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) sports complex, which offers a safe and well-lit environment for evening runs. The premier racing event in the city is the Jakarta Marathon, the very race where Rush Runners was born.
