On Sunday, May 3, the streets of Solo buzzed with energy as 7,750 runners from across Indonesia and 22 countries gathered for the Mangkunegaran Run 2026. More than just a sporting event, this race offered participants a unique experience that seamlessly blended athleticism, community spirit, and the rich cultural heritage of Solo.
This year marked the largest edition of the Mangkunegaran Run to date and served as a significant milestone, as it became the first iteration to receive official World Athletics certification. This achievement cements the event’s status as a serious, high-standard international race.
The race featured a new, historically significant route that allowed runners to traverse the legacy of Solo. The journey began at Manahan Stadium—once the site of the Mangkunegaran equestrian grounds—and concluded at Triwindu, Ngarsopuro, positioned directly in front of the iconic Pura Mangkunegaran gate. This path turned the race into a scenic tour, connecting one historic landmark to another.
To ensure the highest technical standards, the route was verified by Kim Vivan, an official representative of World Athletics, who traveled to Solo to oversee the certification process. During the morning flag-off, Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya (KGPAA) Mangkunegara X noted, “The Mangkunegaran Run is more than just a race; it is an opportunity to directly experience the energy and culture of Solo. We want to provide a space for connection that is open to everyone.”
Solo as a Stage for Community
Along the course, runners were energized by over 100 cheering points. These spots featured a mix of local community engagement, cultural performances, and thematic displays: 50 points were hosted by local grassroots organizations, while others showcased the spirit of the Indonesian archipelago, the history of the Mangkunegaran Legion, and the cultural diversity supported by event sponsors.
The participation of 7,750 runners highlighted the event’s inclusivity, welcoming everyone from seasoned marathoners to newcomers seeking to experience Solo’s vibrant atmosphere. Organized to celebrate the 269th Adeging Mangkunegaran, the event demonstrated a commitment to moving beyond ceremonial traditions by creating a celebration that truly engages the wider public.
Running for the Environment: Every Step Makes an Impact
Permata Bank expanded its role in the 2026 race, moving beyond typical event support to integrate sustainability into the core of the experience. Through the Misi Hijaukan Bumi (Green the Earth Mission) initiative, the collective effort of the thousands of participants was converted into a tangible environmental benefit. Meliza M. Rusli, President Director of Permata Bank, confirmed, “We are converting the participation of over 7,700 runners into the planting of 5,000 trees in Bukit Tigapuluh, Jambi.”
From Four Cities to Solo
Leading up to the main event, the Mangkunegaran Run 2026 hosted a series of pre-race events in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali, and Solo to build national anticipation. This “Road to” series, which included a collaborative jersey design with @speed_jersey, successfully unified the running community across the country.
The Mangkunegaran Run 2026 was made possible through the support of Permata Bank as a strategic partner, Katadata as the official media partner, and the Yayasan Daya Nusantara Cendekia (DNC).
Summary
The 2026 Mangkunegaran Run in Solo successfully hosted 7,750 participants from Indonesia and 22 countries, marking its largest edition to date. This milestone event received official World Athletics certification, with a route connecting historic landmarks like Manahan Stadium and the Pura Mangkunegaran gate to showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the race, the event fostered community engagement through local performances and promoted environmental sustainability. Through the “Misi Hijaukan Bumi” initiative in partnership with Permata Bank, the collective participation of the runners will result in the planting of 5,000 trees in Bukit Tigapuluh, Jambi.
