Meet Indonesia's runners competing in the Gold Coast Marathon
Feature
By Katie Stow
The Gold Coast Marathon is a global favourite event, loved by participants not just for its favourable course and ideal running weather, but for the atmosphere of the Gold Coast region and things to do in the area after they’ve crossed the finish line.
We chat to three Indonesian athletes who have participated, both in-person and the virtual versions, about their experiences, training tips, and why they can’t wait to go back.
Agus Hermawan
Name: Agus Hermawan
Age: 59
Occupation: Journalist, race consultant
Town you’re from:
Jakarta
Level of marathon experience:
Running enthusiast and recreational runner
How many times have you run Gold Coast Marathon?
3 times
Did you sign up for GCM VR 2020?
Yes, I did!
What race did you register for GCM21?
Half Marathon Virtual
Do you have any targets?
I’ll try to get my personal record (2:10)
How are you training for GCM21?
I train with the Half Marathon program. With the pandemic situation, I combine workouts with treadmill runs.
What is your favourite memory of GCM?
- Good scenery with flat course
- Cheering from people all the way along the course
- Excellent race organizing
What do you miss about GCM?
Enthusiastic supporters who cheered loudly for all runners. panoramic scenery and cool weather. It’s always my dream to go back to Gold Coast and run GCM every year.
When you return to Gold Coast in the near future, what are the bucket list items that you will be doing?
Visiting the vineyards, and getting on a hot air balloon tour.
Fajar Arifan
Name: Fajar Arifan
Age: 38
Occupation: Musician & Sports Influencer
Town/city where you’re from:
Jakarta
Level of marathon experience:
Avid Marathon enthusiast, first marathon was in 2013, and also currently doing 7 Ironman Triathlon
How many times have you run Gold Coast Marathon?
Once.
Do you have any targets?
Since we are still in the pandemic, my goal is to keep the running excitement going!
How are you training for GCM21?
Mostly at home, doing laps in my compound.
What is your best marathon training tip?
Be consistent and disciplined, try to keep your training on plan, don’t get carried away or too lazy.
What is your favourite memory of GCM?
Really awesome crowd vibes, perfect pacers, and the weather was perfect in 2019.
What do you miss about Gold Coast?
Perfect weather for running, also the coffees!
When you return to Gold Coast in the near future, what are the bucket list items that you will be doing?
Explore more foods, and more coffees.
Rieta Santoso
Name: Rieta Santoso
Age: 45
Town where you’re from:
Jakarta
How many times have you run Gold Coast Marathon?
Once
What race did you register for GCM21?
Half Marathon
Do you have any targets?
No specific target, just enjoying the race as part of maintaining my endurance.
How are you training for GCM21?
Maintaining 4-5 runs a week, with a combination of Easy, Speed and Long Runs.
What is your best marathon training tip?
Base mileage (build your weekly mileage, 4-5 times a week), do the Long Run (so your body can adjust gradually to a long distances), do speed work, and don't forget to include rest and recovery as part of your training .
What is your favourite memory of GCM?
My first planned program for the Full Marathon race, a Happy Run during the race yet resulting in my new PB for Full Marathon category, unforgettable memories with Yuktravel.
What do you miss about GCM?
The vibes, the view, the weather, the spirit of the participants.
What do you miss about Gold Coast?
The beach, the theme parks, the ambience and views of the city.
When you return to Gold Coast in the near future, what are the bucket list items that you will be doing?
Beach time, theme parks, strolling around the city, and coffee time.
