ITB Ultra Marathon 2026 Concludes at Ganesha Campus, Over 5,000 Runners Unite to Support Education Endowment Fund, Raising More Than IDR 1 Billion

By Anggun Nindita

Editor Anggun Nindita

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id — The ITB Ultra Marathon 2026 officially concluded at the finish line on ITB Ganesha Campus on Sunday (October 18, 2026). A total of 5,216 runners participated in the event, which began with a flag-off ceremony at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) building in Jakarta on Friday evening (October 16, 2026).

More than just a sporting event, the ITB Ultra Marathon 2026 served as an opportunity to strengthen bonds among alumni, the academic community, and the public while raising support for the sustainability of education through the ITB Endowment Fund. As of Sunday (October 18, 2026), donations had reached IDR 1,038,660,160. The fundraising campaign will remain open for another seven days to encourage more people to contribute.

Participants covered a 180-kilometer route from Jakarta to Bandung. The ITB Ultra Marathon 2026 featured individual and relay categories, including Relay 2, Relay 4, Relay 8, and Relay 16.

Throughout the journey, the event also carried a social mission through various community service initiatives, including the provision of clean water facilities and waste management programs.

A strong sense of togetherness was evident as runners crossed the finish line after completing their journey from Jakarta to Bandung. Several prominent figures also participated in the event, including ITB Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T.; Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D.; and Vice Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Prof. Dr. Irwan Meilano, S.T., M.Sc. All three joined the run as members of Team GBFIT.

Strengthening Alumni Solidarity and the Endowment Fund for Education
In his remarks, Minister Brian Yuliarto expressed his appreciation for the participants' enthusiasm and the strong solidarity among ITB alumni who gathered at Ganesha Campus after completing the series of activities from Jakarta to Bandung.

"The ITB Ultra Marathon 2026 demonstrates the strong bonds and commitment of alumni to their alma mater. The sense of togetherness fostered through this sporting event represents a tangible contribution to supporting the university's development," said Prof. Brian.

He also expressed his appreciation to the ITB Alumni Association and all alumni who have consistently contributed to the development of campus facilities, ranging from buildings to infrastructure supporting academic activities.

"These contributions are expected to inspire other universities to establish sustainable relationships with their alumni while strengthening support for the delivery of higher education," he added.

One tangible demonstration of this commitment was the fundraising initiative for the ITB Endowment Fund, which successfully raised more than IDR 1 billion by the final day of the ITB Ultra Marathon 2026.

The ITB Endowment Fund is one of the university's initiatives to strengthen the long-term sustainability of education funding, including support for student scholarships. Through sustainable fund management, contributions from donors are expected to generate lasting benefits.

With donations remaining open for seven days after the event, ITB hopes that the spirit of giving and commitment to education will continue to grow, not only among alumni but also within the wider community.

Togetherness and Prayers at the Conclusion of the Event

Amid the spirit of togetherness, the ITB community also expressed its deepest condolences over the passing of one of the ITB Ultra Marathon 2026 participants, Dody Muhammad Pasha, an undergraduate student in the Mining Engineering Program at ITB's Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering (FTTM).

ITB Rector Prof. Tatacipta Dirgantara extended his condolences to the bereaved family. On the occasion, the Rector also led a collective prayer attended by all participants present as a gesture of respect and solidarity with the family.

The ITB community prayed that the deceased would be granted the best place in the presence of Almighty God and that the bereaved family would be given strength and fortitude during this difficult time.

Through the ITB Ultra Marathon 2026, the spirit of togetherness, solidarity, and compassion is expected to continue inspiring meaningful contributions to the advancement of education. Every step taken and every contribution made represents part of a collective effort to create lasting benefits for future generations.

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