JAKARTA, INDONESIA — The energy across the Indonesian capital is electric. On Thursday morning, 22 October, the SportPlus Singapore contingent touched down at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport via Scoot flight TR274, ready to dive headfirst into the spectacle of the Jakarta Running Festival (JRF) 2026.
Serving as JRF’s official Singapore media and regional host partner, the six-member squad has arrived not just to race, but to immerse themselves in Jakarta’s dynamic street culture, culinary scene, and world-class running community.
With over 37,000 registered participants representing more than 50 nations, JRF 2026 has quickly emerged as Southeast Asia’s must-run marquee weekend. For the SportPlus traveling team, the journey kicked off with a cultural deep dive across the city on Thursday, paving the way for an electric Friday at the Race Expo in Istora Senayan, Gelora Bung Karno (GBK).
First Impressions: Sights, Sounds, and Street Heat
Stepping out from their base at THE 101 Jakarta Sedayu Darmawangsa in the lively district of South Jakarta, the contingent spent Thursday exploring the pulse of the metropolis. From navigating bustling avenues to indulging in local culinary staples and aromatic street fare, Jakarta’s distinctive warmth set the tone immediately.
For newly minted Athlo creator Elaine Wong, who is making her debut overseas trip with the SportPlus family, Jakarta’s sensory rhythm provided an unforgettable welcome.
"This is my first time travelling and racing with the SportPlus family, and Jakarta has embraced us with so much warmth," shared Wong, who is lining up for Saturday’s Samsung Galaxy 5KM. "Between the rich aromas of local dishes, the hum of the city streets, and the sheer enthusiasm of everyone we’ve bumped into, you immediately realise running here is woven right into the lifestyle. The buzz is infectious."
Hybrid athlete and Hyrox standout Samuel Chua, taking on the 5KM dash alongside Elaine and Xuan Jie, echoed the appreciation for Jakarta’s boundless momentum.
"In the hybrid and functional fitness world, everything is about intent and momentum," Chua noted. "Jakarta matches that cadence naturally. The city moves fast, the culture is unapologetically vibrant, and the anticipation building up to race day is palpable everywhere you look."
Photo: SportPlus.sg / Aldrich Goh
Friday Frenzy: Race-Pack Collection and the Istora Senayan Expo
The excitement ratcheted up several gears on Friday as the contingent made their way to Istora Senayan within the historic Gelora Bung Karno sports complex for race-pack collection. Hosting upwards of 130 partner brands and welcoming over 75,000 visitors, the JRF Expo felt less like a standard bib pick-up and more like an all-out carnival of running culture.
Local run clubs, pop-up community activations, and the exclusive showcase of the tribute adidas Adizero Evo SL (JRF 2026 Edition) commanded massive crowds.
For SportPlus founder and veteran multi-marathoner John Yeong, who will tackle the 21.1KM Half Marathon, the scene at Istora Senayan underscored the massive evolution of Southeast Asian running culture.
"Jakarta Running Festival has created an atmosphere that rivals major world expos," said Yeong. "Seeing over 300 Indonesian running communities gather under one roof at Istora Senayan showcases the sheer power of grassroots engagement here. JRF’s rallying cry this year is #ShowUp—it's about resilience, stepping up through every hurdle, and showing what running can do to unite communities across borders. We're honored to bring that story home to Singapore."
High Spirits Ahead of Saturday’s Showdown
With bibs secured and mandatory flat-lays captured, the focus turns sharply toward Saturday’s main event at Gelora Bung Karno. The squad features a balanced roster of speed, grit, and endurance.
National duathlete Ng Xuan Jie, donning the Team SportPlus colors in the 5KM category, is primed to test his short-course engine against a competitive regional field.
"Representing Team SportPlus on Indonesian soil brings an extra spark," remarked Xuan Jie. "The hospitality has been incredible, but on Saturday, it’s all business on the asphalt. The setup around GBK looks pristine, and I can’t wait to run hard and soak in the roar of the crowds through the Zona Sorak cheering zones."
Taking on the 21.1KM Half Marathon alongside Yeong is seasoned ultra-marathoner Sebastian Cheong, who thrives on testing his physical limits in high-energy atmospheres.
"A half marathon inside a city with this much soul is something special," Cheong said. "Whether you're running ultra distances or a fast 21K, community energy carries you through the tough miles. Jakarta’s running scene has turned this weekend into a celebration, and we’re all ready to leave everything out on the course."
The Road Ahead: #ShowUp at GBK
Before the alarm bells ring early on Saturday morning, the contingent will gather for a dedicated carb-loading session hosted by Manifest x Beyond: Running at KNOTS Senopati, exchanging mantras and connecting with local pacers and runners.
As dawn breaks over Gelora Bung Karno tomorrow, Team SportPlus stands ready to lace up, embrace the humidity, and answer the call to #ShowUp.
Follow live stories, real-time race updates, and behind-the-scenes moments from Jakarta across @sportplus.sg and the SportPlus JRF Live Hub