By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 24: Three runners from Pontianak, Indonesia, have completed a 354.37km cross-border run to Kuching in 43 hours, 56 minutes and 46 seconds as part of Independence Run 2026.
Thomas, Tju Hok Ui and Sutrisno of Uber Running Crew crossed the finish line at the Cat Statue here this morning after setting off from Anzon Toyota Pontianak at 5.30am on Saturday (Aug 22).
The run took them from Pontianak to the Entikong Border Crossing before they entered Sarawak through the Tebedu Immigration Complex.
From Tebedu, Malaysian runners coordinated by Alpha Sports Event Malaysia joined and accompanied the trio on the final leg to Kuching.
Uber Running Crew described the run as more than a 350km physical challenge, but a journey symbolising friendship and courage across the Indonesia-Malaysia border.
To complete the route, the three runners used a relay system, with each running for 60 minutes and covering an average of 10km before taking turns with another team member.
Sutrisno said the strategy was adopted to help them manage their stamina, rest periods and running pace throughout the journey.
“To cover the 350km distance, we planned it as a relay, with each runner taking turns. The aim was for every runner to complete the challenge while remaining in good condition,” he said.
Despite the distance, the trio did not undergo any special physical training for the challenge, instead relying on their experience in long-distance running and previous marathon events.
Pontianak Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono, who flagged off the runners in Pontianak on Saturday, praised the initiative as a positive sporting activity that promoted the spirit of independence, sportsmanship and friendship between Indonesia and Malaysia.
“This is a positive and commendable activity. The runners not only challenged themselves to cover a long distance, but also carried the name of Pontianak in the spirit of independence, sportsmanship and friendship with our neighbouring country,” he said.
He said such activities could also strengthen people-to-people ties in border communities and expressed hope that cooperation between running communities in Indonesia and Malaysia would continue through more cross-border sporting events.
“We hope activities like this can continue and inspire other cross-border sporting events,” he said.
Uber Running Crew also expressed its appreciation to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Kamtono, the Malaysian Government, Sanggau Deputy Police Chief Kompol Radian Andy Pratomo, Alpha Sports Event Malaysia, Anzon Toyota, Nestlé Pure Life Indonesia, Dreams Republic Studio, Therapedic Indonesia, Pontianak Running Organizer and running communities across West Kalimantan for supporting the challenge.
The trio’s arrival at the Cat Statue this morning marked the completion of their 354.37km journey from Pontianak to Kuching, bringing the cross-border Independence Run 2026 to a close. — DayakDaily
