BALAP LARI - Barefoot FOMO

BALAP LARI

Welcome back to yet another weekly reading. Bit late but I’m sure you didn’t notice. We just got back from a  whirlwind of a weekend celebrating culture through running in Jakarta and Bandung. Read along to find out why you don’t want to miss the final race in this series next week in BALI. 

I will write a description of the event as I have come to know it, please leave a comment below if I’m missing anything or completely off. Balap Lari is my favorite running event I have ever attended. It’s raw, silly, fun, exciting and brings together amazing people to celebrate culture through running. Not many other events if any combine those things in such a way. If you have no idea what I’m talking about BALAP LARI translates to running race and is held during Ramadan across Indonesia. It typically happens just before Sahur which is the hours leading up to sunrise and the last time those fasting can eat before sunset. The idea spawned from locals who previously would race motorbikes for money during this time. While that still happens this race seems to be more supported by local authorities. Flowerboy’s mission was to honor the loose atmosphere of the event and showcase its beauty to our global audience. 

It’s barefoot 100m sprints at 3:00 AM on whatever road is suitable. Not on grass or some smooth track. Rough, rugged and an absolute blast to be part of. 

We hosted last year in Bali and decided to go on tour this year. First stop was Jakarta.

While the sign ups went fast we didn’t keep our expectations too high. We were able to collect some amazing sponsors for the events which helped us document, travel and be able to give the male and female winners 2 million rupiah each. Thanks to Fieldway, Strava, Kit Athletic, Rage and Manifest for making it possible. Jakarta was hosted at the new BAKED. Flagship in Gunawarman. We had 30 males and only 2 females line up. This street is quite busy even at that time but we had the help of all the local security guards to block of a lane with pylons. We officially marked the start and finish with chalk in the straightest line we could. Samson and I event tested the route to make sure it was good. It was.

With about 40 eager spectators waiting at the finish line we went through the rounds. The only two ladies did one race and decided to share the winnings. While the men’s race had some action. What I learned is it’s not about raw speed to take the win, sure you need to be fast but there is a certain level of finesse and grace required to allow your feet to last 4 or 5 rounds of slamming them against the raw pavement time and time again.

 After the race our friends at BAKED Provided Sahur for anyone who was hungry, we went back to the hotel and before the sun was up we were out and headed for a long run. Checked out of the hotel and made our way to Bandung. It was a blur of a weekend and we are super grateful for the support and enthusiasm people have for Flowerboy in both cities. Bandung had a bit of a buzz about it and it seemed like they were ready to make the event memorable. We had Maja Family take care of us the whole time and their hospitality was unmatched. If you find yourself in Bandung make sure to book your stay at Mankind Studios.

The next morning we were chalking up the finish line and there was a substantial crowd gathered at 2:30 am. There was some noticeably fast runners that showed up and it seemed like the community spirit of Bandung proved itself once again. Everyone was super supportive, and the races had such a good vibe to them. The finish line felt like a paparazzi pit as from the start line it was lit up with a dozen plus flashes and phone lights capturing the runners coming across the line. The gritty street really made the winners have to work to make it to finals. Feet quickly turned red raw and were bandaged up between rounds. We had 6 women race in Bandung and the support for those brave ladies really pushed them through the rounds.

Overall the smiles never stopped, the races were fun and we are super grateful for everyone who took part of it in any way. Bali will be next Saturday March 14 at 3:00 am. Get up early and come be part of a cultural running movement like no other. 

See ya there!