UNAIR NEWS – The Nature Lovers Student Activity Unit (WANALA) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) once again showcased its endurance and determination at the Bromo Desert Race (Broder50), an international trail running competition. This year, the team secured a top-ten finish in the 10K category during the 2025 race held across the Bromo Sea of Sand on Saturday (October 11, 2025). Now in its third year, the Broder50 attracted more than 1,000 runners from Indonesia and overseas.
Trail running is a long-distance running sport that takes place on rugged natural terrains such as mountains, hills, and forests. The Bromo Desert Race is particularly demanding, challenging runners to conquer steep volcanic slopes, sandy plains, and rocky trails that push the limits of their endurance, technique, and mental resilience.
Competition categories
The WANALA team fielded three members across two categories: two runners in the 10K and one in the 25K. The 10K participants were Marselia Crenata from the Faculty of Economics and Business and Muhammad Irchamul Umam from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Competing in the 25K category was Rajab Tri Saputra from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences.
“We’re truly grateful for this accomplishment. This is one of the largest international trail running events, and we didn’t expect to make it into the top ten, especially since it was our very first trail run,” said Umam, one of the 10K participants.
He went on to describe the challenges faced during the race. “The terrain was incredibly tough. Running across the Bromo sea of sand was unlike anything we’d experienced before. The strong winds, flying dust, and intense heat made every kilometer a real test of endurance,” he shared.
He went on to describe the challenges faced during the race. “The terrain was incredibly tough. Running across the Bromo sea of sand was unlike anything we’d experienced before. The strong winds, flying dust, and intense heat made every kilometer a real test of endurance,” he shared.
Author: WANALA contributor
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
