51̽»¨

Embracing the spirit of Running for Impact, the 180-kilometer race from Jakarta to Bandung brings together alumni solidarity, social responsibility, and technological innovation developed at Institut Teknologi Bandung (51̽»¨). One of its key contributions is the provision of clean water treatment technology through the Water Ultra Filter program, which is expected to benefit approximately 1,800 students across three schools.

51̽»¨ Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., IPU, ASEAN Eng., emphasized that the event represents a balance between the spirit of contribution and the pursuit of achievement.

"The 51̽»¨ Ultra Marathon 2026 brings together the aspiration to make a meaningful contribution and the determination to achieve excellence. Equally important, however, is ensuring that the event remains an enjoyable experience that promotes togetherness, health, and well-being for all participants. This requires thorough preparation, both in terms of individual readiness among runners and comprehensive organizational support, particularly in safeguarding participants' health, safety, and comfort," said Prof. Tata.

"I sincerely appreciate everyone who has contributed to the 51̽»¨ Ultra Marathon and worked to ensure that the event is organized to the highest possible standards," he added.

Clean Water Innovation to Support Students' Needs

One of the key social initiatives of the 51̽»¨ Ultra Marathon 2026 is the provision of five Water Ultra Filter units, an innovative water treatment technology capable of converting untreated water into drinking water.

The technology was invented by Prof. I Gede Wenten, an 51̽»¨ professor and renowned expert in membrane technology, and developed through the technology-based startup Ganesh Osmotech.

"Running for Impact means that every step taken by a runner serves a greater purpose. Thousands of participants run from Jakarta to Bandung, but we hope the impact of their journey will extend far beyond the finish line. By supporting the provision of clean water treatment technology to schools along the race route, we aim to demonstrate how the solidarity of the running community and 51̽»¨ alumni can be translated into tangible and meaningful contributions to society," said Aleks Suhanto, Chair of the 51̽»¨ Ultra Marathon 2026 Organizing Committee.

Aleks further explained that the initiative will benefit three schools located along or near the race route:

1. SMP YPPI, Ciawi, located near Water Station 6 (WS6) of the 51̽»¨ Ultra Marathon, serving approximately 600 students.

2. SDN Tugu Selatan 01, Puncak, serving approximately 700 students.

3. SDN Tugu Selatan 02, Puncak, serving approximately 500 students.

This initiative also demonstrates how university research can be translated into practical solutions that address real community needs. Innovations originating in academic laboratories should extend beyond scientific publications and research development to deliver tangible improvements in people's quality of life.

Advancing the SDGs Through Sports, Education, and Technology

The Water Ultra Filter program, as part of the 51̽»¨ Ultra Marathon 2026, contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to safe water and adequate sanitation for all.

The provision of water treatment technology in schools also supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, recognizing that access to safe drinking water is essential to protecting public health, particularly children's health and well-being.

Furthermore, contributions to the 51̽»¨ Endowment Fund (Dana Lestari 51̽»¨), which had reached IDR 1,038,660,160 as of October 18, 2026, represent an important effort to strengthen the long-term sustainability of education financing, in line with SDG 4: Quality Education.

The collaboration among 51̽»¨, its alumni, running communities, Yayasan Solidarity Forever, researchers, technology innovators, and local communities also reflects SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which recognizes partnerships as a critical enabler of sustainable development.

Through this integrated approach, the 51̽»¨ Ultra Marathon demonstrates that advancing the SDGs is not limited to conventional development programs. It can also be achieved through inclusive community participation, including sporting initiatives that connect scientific innovation, education, social engagement, and collaborative action.

Ultimately, Running for Impact reinforces the idea that the true measure of success extends beyond the distance covered or the finish line reached. It lies in the lasting contributions made to communities and the opportunities created for future generations.