Acting Governor of Gorontalo Province Rudy Salahuddin launched the half marathon, firstly, runners in the 21-kilometer category, and then followed by the 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer categories.
Salahuddin commented that he is satisfied with the first ever Gorontalo Half Marathon. He also said that the participants and residents who watched along the route were enthusiastic.
"Even though this is the first-ever (Gorontalo Half Marathon), the residents' enthusiasm both from Gorontalo and from outside the area is extraordinary. We have prepared this event quite well," he said.
According to him, the 2024 GHM is an example of how a sports event can be financed without using the regional budget (APBD). The competition, he said, was held with the full support of around 29 sponsors.
"As long as we are creative (in funding), even without using APBD, we can serve good things for the community. This is a good example that the event is aimed to make people healthy, promote exercise, and boost tourism in Gorontalo," Salahuddin stated.
He expressed hope that this kind of sports activity can be held regularly every year. Moreover, he expected that the GHM 2024 is not the first and last event.
According to him, sports events need to be held regularly to support the tourism and local economy.
GHM 2024 was held on October 27, 2024, starting at 5 a.m. local time with the starting and finishing lines at the Gorontalo City Taruna Remaja Field. Acting Governor Salahuddin participated in the 10K run.
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Translator: Adiwinata, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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