PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin was impressed by the public interest in enlivening the 2024 Pocari Sweat Run.

Starting from public figures, political officials, to the general public, people flocked to the city of Bandung to take part in a number of running categories: 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon.

"This is the 11th Pocari Run, it's really extraordinary, and there are lots of virtual ones too," said Bey Machmudin, Sunday (21/7/2024).

Bey hopes that the Pocari Sweat Run can promote healthy living and tourism to the community through running sports

"We know that West Java has interesting places for tourism, including sports tourism," said Bey Machmudin.

According to him, the great public interest in an event helps increase people coming to the area where it is being held, and that can be counted as tourist visits.

Because from this event there will be hotels filled, travel services used, money spent (spending money) whether for eating, shopping or traveling, before or after the event.

For a better climate at the next Pocari event, the Provincial Government together with the Bandung City Government will set an upper limit on hotel rates.

Don't let participants feel burdened because hotel rates are too expensive, which will make them think twice about joining the same event next year.

"We haven't calculated it yet, but yesterday the Acting Mayor of Bandung told me that next year if there is another (event) an upper limit will be set. Many people are interested, prices are increasing, that's what we're looking after, so don't let there be lots of people interested in supplying smaller rooms," Bey explained.

Bey is also grateful that the Pocari Sweat Run 2024 committee can manage the waste produced well. "In general (waste) is good, what I'm concerned about is the waste," said Bey.

Bey reminded the public the importance of sport. Don't just exercise in your spare time, but schedule it as regularly as possible so that your body is healthy, fit and doesn't get sick easily.

Bey also explained his reasons for participating in the 5K category. According to him, he wants to be an example for ASN to be active in exercising.

Not just running, the city of Bandung with its cool climate is suitable for other sports such as cycling or just walking.

Marketing Director Amerta Indah Otsuka Puspita Winawati said, the 2024 Pocari Sweat Run was attended by 42,008 runners from all over Indonesia, held simultaneously.

A total of 15,817 runners ran directly in Bandung City, and as many as 26,191 runners spread across several cities in Indonesia joined from their respective cities on routes determined by the local committee, and joined virtually.

Dealing with waste, Otsuka also collaborates with several clean-up communities. Plastic waste in the form of drink bottles will be recycled by partner communities.

"We recycle our waste. We use quite a lot of bottles, we sort them to be recycled again," said Wina.

Celebrity Raffi Ahmad, who participated as a runner, expressed his impressions of this event.

Raffi admitted that this was his first time taking part in the half marathon category. Feeling addicted, he plans to take part in a 10K running event which will be held in the city of Berlin in about two months.

"Bandung is always special, all the places I pass when I run feel nostalgic, I pass by so many places that become memories. Hopefully next year we can have a full marathon," said Nagita Slavina's husband.