KUDUS – Sunday morning in Kudus was marked by a vibrant running event. Approximately 150 participants gathered at Moonlight CMC Beauty on Jalan Veteran, Glantengan Village, Kota District, Kudus Regency, to take part in a 5-kilometer fun run on Sunday (9/20/2026). The event was held to commemorate Moonlight's fifth anniversary.
Participants arrived with varying levels of experience, ranging from seasoned runners to newcomers trying a fun run for the first time. Starting from the store, they traversed several major streets in the heart of Kudus before returning to the same location to cross the finish line.
Moonlight CMC Beauty is a cosmetics retailer that began operations on September 18, 2021. Since its inception, the store has offered a wide range of beauty products, including makeup, skincare, and accessories. Brands such as Y.O.U, Make Over, Emina, Pixy, and Wardah were available when the shop first opened.
In addition to cosmetics, the store also offered accessories like headbands, hair clips, combs, and bags. At the start of its operations, the store was open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. WIB.
Five years after its opening, the area in front of the store served as both the starting and finishing point for the 2026 Moonlight Run. The anniversary celebration was highlighted by this athletic event, which brought together participants from diverse backgrounds and running levels.
From the starting point at Moonlight on Jalan Veteran, participants headed west toward the Sucen intersection. The group then turned south toward the Majapahit intersection before continuing eastward.
The route then proceeded through Jalan Mangga and Gang 4. From there, runners moved toward the Wergu traffic lights and headed north to the SMP 2 intersection.
The course continued westward, passing the Kudus Town Square and the Taman Bojana culinary center. Participants then entered Jalan Sunan Muria toward the Kudus Cigarette Company Association (PPRK) intersection.
From the PPRK area, runners headed west until they returned to Jalan Veteran. After completing the approximately 5-kilometer distance, participants arrived back at the starting point, which also served as the finish line.
The route took participants through several areas busy with Sunday morning activities in downtown Kudus. Traffic management was a key focus, as parts of the course were located near the Car Free Day zone and the Town Square.
Organizers placed a water station at the Jalan Mangga intersection, which also served as a checkpoint for participants.
Participants who passed through this point received a bracelet that could later be exchanged for a special gift from Moonlight. The water station provided essential support for runners along the course.
Route management was assisted by a team of marshals. Stationed at various intersections and wearing orange vests, they helped guide the participants.
Security was managed through a joint effort by local community police officers (Bhabinkamtibmas), the Glantengan village military representative (Babinsa), and the Kudus City Police. Their presence was vital in ensuring the safety of runners and managing traffic along the route.
Izzad Sofyan Amrullah, coordinator of the Kudus Runners community, noted that the Moonlight Run was an initiative to further introduce the brand to the public in Kudus and surrounding areas.
"Essentially, this event celebrates Moonlight's fifth anniversary. Moonlight wants to increase its exposure to become better known by the people of Kudus, Jepara, Pati, and the surrounding regions," Izzad said.
A notable highlight from the event involved Alvin Nurinnuha Santoso. For the Demak native, the Moonlight Run 2026 served as his first organized running competition.
Previously, Alvin primarily trained solo, running at the local sports stadium (GOR), Oasis, or near his home. He was already accustomed to the 5K distance through his regular training regimen.
Occasionally, Alvin incorporates long runs of up to 10 kilometers, ensuring he was well-prepared for the Sunday morning race.
“This is my first time participating in a running event,” Alvin said.
Despite being a debutante, Alvin crossed the finish line first, completing the course in approximately 15 minutes.
The victory did not come without a struggle. Alvin admitted to feeling fatigued between the third and fourth kilometers.
“I was exhausted,” he said with a laugh while reflecting on the most grueling part of the race.
Nevertheless, he maintained his pace to reach the finish line, an experience that has left him eager to participate in future running events.
“It was very exciting. This was my first experience at an event like this, and I definitely want to participate again if given the chance,” he added.
For Dewi Suryani and Mega Indah Silfiani, the Moonlight Run was familiar territory. Both have participated in running events in Kudus three times previously.
Their commitment to fitness extends beyond competition; they meet every Saturday to exercise together at Oasis.
Dewi views physical activity as a lifestyle necessity, emphasizing the importance of staying active as she gets older.
“I’m entering my golden years. It’s important to stay fit, stay strong, and finish strong,” Dewi said.
For both, the number of friends accompanying them is not a prerequisite for exercise. Whether attending alone, as a pair, or with a group, participating remains accessible.
To them, the willingness to stay active is far more important than worrying about finding a training partner.
The atmosphere of the Moonlight Run was also a highlight. Beyond the 5-kilometer course, participants received refreshments, fruit, medals, and gifts.
“This event was really fun,” said Mega.
Their experience at the event provided Dewi and Mega an opportunity to offer advice to those looking to start their fitness journey.
According to Mega, there is no reason to feel self-conscious about attending an event solo. Activities like fun runs are ideal settings for meeting other runners and establishing a consistent exercise habit.
“Don’t be shy. If you want to participate in an event like this and you don’t have any friends coming along, that’s perfectly fine. Don’t be embarrassed,” she said.
Dewi added that beginner runners do not need to overexert themselves physically. Distance and speed should be adjusted based on individual fitness levels.
“Most importantly, don’t push yourself too hard. Gauge your own capabilities; the priority is just to have fun,” she said.
Mega also emphasized that pace should not be a primary concern for new runners.
“What matters is the willingness to move. Don’t worry about the pace—just focus on running,” she said.
This message aligns with the spirit of a fun run, which brings together participants of varying abilities. Not everyone competes for personal best times; many attend simply to exercise, seek new experiences, or enjoy physical activity during their weekend.
Another participant, Tias Arini, brought experience from several previous running events. Outside of competitions, she maintains a training routine of two to three sessions per week.
Oasis is one of the locations she uses for her training. For Tias, consistency is a vital component before taking on events of specific distances.
“Train regularly and strengthen your leg muscles. That is the most important thing,” Tias said.
The Moonlight Run provided an additional experience for Tias, as she walked away with a vanity set as a door prize after finishing the event.
The prize was unexpected, and she admitted to being surprised when her name was called.
“I didn’t expect to win it,” she said with a laugh.
Such moments are a unique part of the running experience. Beyond finishing the route, participants have the opportunity to enjoy the festivities and connect with fellow runners.
The 2026 Moonlight Run served as more than just a celebration of Moonlight’s fifth anniversary. The turnout of approximately 150 participants highlighted public interest in the fun run format.
For the organizers, this year’s event provided valuable insights into potential expansions for future iterations.
Izzad noted expectations for participant numbers to surpass 200 if the Moonlight Run is held again.
Venue preparation remains a key consideration. With a larger turnout, organizers are evaluating more suitable locations for future events.
When asked about the possibility of another Moonlight Run, Izzad replied, “God willing, yes.”
The Sunday morning concluded as participants finished the course, and the roads used for the route returned to their usual daily activity.
For Alvin, the five-kilometer course marked his first-ever running event and his debut finish. For Dewi and Mega, the race served as a way to maintain an active lifestyle. Meanwhile, Tias walked away with both the race experience and an unexpected door prize.
Approximately 150 participants joined the event, each driven by different motivations—some chasing personal bests, others testing their first race, and some integrating the run into their regular fitness routines.
Ultimately, the Moonlight Run 2026 was about more than just the five-kilometer distance. The event brought together a diverse group of runners, ranging from beginners to seasoned athletes.
For those just starting, the advice from the participants is straightforward: begin at your own pace, remain consistent, and do not prioritize speed above all else. (OEB/mainkekudus)
