KUDUS – Hundreds of runners from across the region and abroad took to the slopes of Mount Muria for the 2026 Ultra Trail Mount Moeria (UTMM) on Oct. 3-4. Over the two-day event, 570 participants challenged themselves across rugged terrain stretching from the Colo area to the surrounding mountain slopes.
The event was centered at D’Tjolo Eco Park in Colo Village, Dawe District, Kudus Regency, serving as the start and finish line for four race categories: 7, 15, 30, and 50 kilometers.
Each category offered diverse landscapes. The 7-kilometer runners traversed the Montel area, while the 15-kilometer route headed toward Ternadi and the Becici region before returning to Colo.
More demanding routes for the 30-kilometer category included Ternadi, Natas Angin, and Semliro. The longest race, the 50-kilometer event, took runners across to Tempur in Jepara before they returned via Puncak 29 and Semliro to the finish line in Colo.
The Bakti Lingkungan Djarum Foundation (BLDF) integrated environmental preservation into the Ultra Trail Mount Moeria (UTMM) 2026 by hosting tree planting activities and distributing saplings.
BLDF Deputy Program Manager Redi Joko Prasetyo noted that the initiative is part of the organization's long-term commitment to the Mount Muria region.
“We have long prioritized the Muria region. Our efforts include reforestation and the conservation of leopards and Javan hawks. The goal is not only conservation but also to ensure local communities benefit,” he said.
This rehabilitation program has already reached parts of Kudus, including Colo and Rahtawu villages, and has begun expanding into Jepara Regency, specifically Tempur and Sumanding villages. Future targets include expanding into the Pati region.
BLDF emphasized the importance of community involvement to ensure the saplings are cared for until they become productive.
“Our rehabilitation program in the Muria region relies on community participation. We encourage locals not just to come and plant, but to actively maintain the trees and ensure they provide long-term economic contributions,” he added.
This community engagement ensures the planting efforts are not merely event-related, but are integrated into ongoing reforestation programs across the Muria landscape.
Environmental sustainability efforts at UTMM 2026 are being upheld through a waste management initiative led by the Kudus Asik (Apik Resik) program. The program oversees waste collection and sorting, while providing educational outreach to participants and visitors throughout the event.
Collected waste is categorized into organic and inorganic streams. Organic waste is transported to the Djarum Foundation’s Organic Processing Center (PPO) to be repurposed as compost.
Josephine Laura, Program Associate at the Bakti Lingkungan Djarum Foundation, stated that waste-sorting education is being conducted at multiple event locations. Ten informational signs have been installed to outline waste types, and dedicated sorting bins have been placed at all water stations.
"We have installed 10 signs explaining waste categories, along with sorting bins at each water station. We hope this helps participants identify waste types properly and fosters a habit of responsible disposal," she said.
Beyond waste management, the UTMM 2026 environmental initiative includes the distribution of 11,603 seedlings, primarily coffee and avocado. These species were selected not only to support reforestation efforts but also for their economic value, providing long-term benefits to the local community.
Josephine noted that these initiatives are intended to bridge the event's immediate activities with long-term regional conservation efforts. Waste management serves as a focal point during the competition, while the tree distribution contributes to broader regional greening efforts.
Waste education was also facilitated through the Kudus Asik (Apik Resik) booth. Runners were encouraged to drop off litter collected along the route, ranging from mineral water bottles and fruit peels to energy gel packaging. The collected waste was then sorted by type.
Collected waste could be exchanged for merchandise such as tumblers, tote bags, and lunch boxes in accordance with program terms. All waste was weighed for impact evaluation, with findings to be published on the Kudus Asik (Apik Resik) social media channels.
Environmental management remains a core responsibility for the committee regarding the tracks used during the competition.
UTMM 2026 Event Director Yusrul Huda noted that the rugged, arid terrain during the dry season requires extra caution to ensure athletic activities remain in harmony with nature conservation efforts.
"This trail run takes place in the wilderness. We are committed to preserving nature rather than damaging it while enjoying its beauty. Therefore, we maintain strict waste management and, alongside Kudus ASIK, will organize a tree-planting initiative following the event," he said.
Participants were required to carry their personal waste while on the trail, with additional bins provided at several checkpoints. Pre-race briefings included mandatory guidelines on appropriate conduct while traversing the route.
Once the race concluded, officials conducted a sweep of the trails to ensure environmental integrity. All signage and race markers were inspected to prevent any debris from being left in the natural area.
These measures ensure that all event equipment and facilities are removed after the race finishes.
Collaboration with BLDF and Kudus ASIK complements these efforts through tree planting, waste management, and environmental awareness initiatives throughout the Ultra Trail Mount Moeria (UTMM) 2026.
For participants, the natural environment is an integral part of the trail running experience. Maintaining clear paths enhances comfort while protecting the landscape used for the race.
This was felt firsthand by Sina Lotfahmadi, a Canadian runner who competed in the 15K category. This marked his second time returning for a trail run event in the Mount Muria area.
Sina chose to camp at the D’Tjolo Eco Park after finding that local hotels and homestays near the 2026 Ultra Trail Mount Moeria (UTMM) site were fully booked.
According to Sina, the beauty of Mount Muria and the hospitality of the local community were highlights of his race experience.
"The mountain is beautiful, and everyone is friendly and very welcoming. It's a fun event here, and everyone is so engaging," he said.
Sina emphasized that path cleanliness is vital for both participant comfort and the long-term viability of the event.
"For a trail run, the course must be clean. It's better and more enjoyable that way; don't leave trash in nature," he added.
He makes a consistent effort to pack out his personal waste, believing all runners hold a moral responsibility to protect the environment.
"Everyone who joins a trail run must help preserve nature. If the environment becomes damaged or loses its beauty, no one will want to participate. But here, the nature is truly beautiful," he stated.
The 2026 Ultra Trail Mount Moeria (UTMM) successfully bridged a passion for sports with a commitment to the natural environment. Over distances ranging from 7 to 50 kilometers, participants not only enjoyed the stunning landscape of Mount Muria but also took on the responsibility of safeguarding it.
Various tangible initiatives were implemented, including tree planting, waste segregation, runner education, and post-race trail sweeps. Even after participants crossed the finish line, the commitment to the area continues through ongoing forest maintenance and sustainable waste management. (DN/mainkekudus)