Dieng Ultra is lastest Indonesian 2021 Candidate Race

There’s quite a few exciting newcomers on the Indonesian trail running scene in 2020 and we are happy that most also wish to join the Asia Trail Master community! Dieng Ultra will take place in Central Java on 29/30 August and is now an official 2021 ATM Candidate Race. The inaugural event is organised by Go Adventure, a team featuring Jeffri Riccardo, whom most may remember from the Goat Run series.

The event programme of Dieng Ultra will feature four race categories of which the 70km is the main event. A serious 70K as well: runners will need to overcome 4700 metres of elevation gain and reach a maximum altitude of 2500m above sea level. Less ambitious runners can also opt for the 42K, 21K and 10K race distance categories. The overall course will largely run on trails, farmland, and scenic landscape. Occasionally, runners will go via small roads in between villages. Most of the area is covered by phone reception except the most remote part of the track in the Mt Prau and Mt. Bismo areas.

The Dieng Plateau is well known as a must-visit tourism destination in Indonesia. The name ‘dieng’ which literally translates as ‘abode of the Gods’ says all you need to know about this collection of small ancient temples set in the remarkable volcanic landscape of the Dieng Plateau. Running here and you will be transported back to ancient times. The temples are remnants from the glorious period of the Hindu empire in Java dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Standing on a plateau 2,000 meters (6,500 ft) above sea level, it is the extraordinary setting of these temples which make them most remarkable.

You will experience running unlike anywhere in Indonesia, from the bubbling mudholes at Kawah Sikidang crater, brightly colored Sulphur lakes of Telaga Warna, a stunning view across the highland from Mt. Prau and catch the best sunrise in Asia from Sikunir hill. 

The event is intentionally held in the month of August, as it is the best time to visit the plateau. It offers you with two amazing views of the sunrise, a ‘golden’ and a ‘silver’ sunrise. This double sunrise is a unique natural phenomenon. August also the month where it’s the coldest period where it’s one of the only places in Java where you can see ice forming on the highlands.

If you come with non-runners, such as family and friends it’s the best location for everyone, even the drive to the plateau offers impressive sights. On the way up, visitors will pass through tobacco plantations and beautiful mountain scenery.  The Dieng people are used to visitors and warmly welcome travelers to the region.

The air gateways to the event are Yogyakarta and Semarang, with a preference for Yogya. The event provides shuttle service for those who are arriving by train or plane. The nearest train station located at Purwokerto, shuttle service will depart from the train station at Friday, 28 August and depart at 13.30. While another shuttle will be located at Yogyakarta International Airports at Friday, 28 August and depart at 13.00. For more info and reservation, please contact us diengultra@govadventure.id