More than 1,300 people gathered at Pasar Seni Ancol in Jakarta on Sept. 27, 2026, for the JBC Fun Run 2026, an initiative organized by the Adventist Church in Jakarta Banten(JBC) to encourage physical activity, strengthen relationships and bring church members and the wider community together.
The event attracted 1,309 registered participants, including 1,182 runners, representing nine administrative regions of the Jakarta Banten and members of the public. Participants joined either the 5-kilometer or 7-kilometer race, continuing the conference's efforts to promote an active lifestyle through community-oriented activities.
Participants began arriving as early as 5 a.m. The program opened with a short devotional message and prayer led by Pastor Leroy Pakpahan, followed by a group warm-up exercise before the fun run began.
The 7-kilometer race started at 6:14 a.m., followed by the 5-kilometer category at 6:21 a.m. Runners followed designated routes around the Ancol area before returning to the finish line.
One notable aspect of this year's event was the strong participation of younger runners and individuals experiencing organized running events for the first time.
Participants ages 18 to 35 represented the largest age group, while 57.3% of registered participants were first-time runners, highlighting the event's appeal beyond experienced runners.
Among the nine regions represented, Regions 5 and 6 recorded the highest combined participation, with 332 participants. Another 432 participants came from the general public, demonstrating the event's reach beyond the Adventist community.
At the congregational level, Wijaya Kusuma Adventist Church recorded the highest participation, with 58 runners.
Beyond the number of participants and distances covered, the event provided opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to connect through a shared commitment to physical activity.
For many participants, particularly those joining their first running event, the gathering offered an opportunity to begin developing healthier habits in a supportive community environment.
The JBC Fun Run 2026 also reflected the Adventist Church's emphasis on holistic well-being, which recognizes physical, mental, social and spiritual health as important aspects of Christian living.
By bringing together church members and the public through a shared recreational activity, the Adventist church created opportunities to strengthen community relationships while encouraging participants to embrace healthier lifestyles.
The event demonstrated how simple, community-centered initiatives can bring people together and create meaningful connections beyond the walls of the church.
The original article was published in the Hope Channel Indonesia website.