Force Running Club: A Healthy Lifestyle Movement Born at a Finish Line in Batam
The story of Force Running Club begins at a finish line. In December 2017, during the inaugural Barelang Marathon in Batam, Indonesia, ten friends ran and finished the 10 K race together, crossing the line hand in hand. This profound moment of shared achievement sparked something special. From that point on, they began organizing weekly runs, and as those runners brought more friends, the crew grew larger and larger, evolving into the dedicated community it is today.
The philosophy of Force Running Club was born from a desire to address a need in their community. The founding members noticed that at the time, not many young people in Batam were interested in running. They decided to create their own sessions to encourage people, especially "the young hearts," to start a healthy lifestyle. Their mission is to share the joy of fitness and, of course, running. The name "Force Running" reflects this proactive mission to be a positive force for change in their city.
What began with ten friends has blossomed into a significant and influential community in Batam. By consistently showing up and sharing their passion, they have successfully encouraged an increasing number of people to join them, creating a powerful local network. Their collaboration is with the city itself, working to build a stronger and healthier running culture from the ground up and inspiring the next generation of runners.
The culture of Force Running Club is active, consistent, and supportive. The crew runs together at least three times a week, creating a regular and reliable schedule for its members. Weekdays are typically reserved for social runs, offering a fun and relaxed atmosphere to connect with friends. The weekends are reserved for long runs, which help members build their endurance. During race season, the crew adds more focused interval and speed sessions to their schedule to help everyone prepare for their goals.
Force Running Club extends a warm invitation to anyone in Batam who wants to discover the joy of a healthy lifestyle. They are especially keen to welcome young people who are new to the sport. To be part of their inspiring movement, you are encouraged to connect with them via their official social media channels for the latest information on their runs.
As one of the pioneering crews, Force Running Club is a central pillar of the running community on the island of Batam. The city's running scene has continued to grow, with other sports clubs and fitness groups contributing to a vibrant culture of health and activity. Together, these groups provide a supportive network for all of the island's athletes.
The tropical island city of Batam, Indonesia, offers a world of contrast. Located in the Riau Islands province, Batam is a bustling industrial hub and a free trade zone just a short ferry ride from Singapore. This unique position makes it a dynamic and growing city. Its tropical climate and coastal roads provide a scenic and challenging environment for its dedicated, year-round running community.
The runners of Batam use their entire island as a training ground. A truly iconic and meaningful route for Force Running Club is the Barelang Bridge, a magnificent structure that connects several islands and is the namesake of the marathon where the crew was born. Other popular running spots include the roads around the Batam Center ferry terminal and the scenic coastal roads that offer beautiful waterfront views.
The running calendar in Batam is highlighted by the very event that started it all for Force Running Club. The Barelang Marathon, named after the iconic bridge, is the premier running event on the island, attracting participants from all over Indonesia and neighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia. The event showcases the island's most famous landmark and celebrates the passionate local running community.