1,500 runners took to the streets for Jakarta’s World Rabies Day (WRD) Run 2026, organized by the Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Agency (KPKP) in honor of the global awareness day marked every September 28.

Far from an ordinary fun run, this unique race saw owners sharing the course with their furry companions—specifically dogs and cats capable of transmitting the rabies virus.

The event is far more than just a race—it is a frontline awareness campaign, according to Jakarta KPKP Head Hasudungan A. Sidabalok, reminding pet owners that dogs and cats can transmit rabies.

"Jakarta may have been rabies-free since 2004, but we cannot let our guard down. Rabies remains an incurable, lethal disease with a near-total fatality rate," he expressed, Saturday (10/3).

Hasudungan explained that the World Rabies Day Run 2026 was joined by around 1,500 participants divided into three categories: 1,233 runners participated in the 5-kilometer (5K) race, 155 joined the 10-kilometer (10K) category, and 112 entered the 2.5-kilometer run reserved for owners and their pets.

"Beyond breaking a sweat, participants running with their furry companions were also treated to free pet vaccination services," he explained.

His agency also placed two mobile animal clinic units on standby to deliver free veterinary checkups to the public at the venue.

"This effort aims to bring animal healthcare services closer to the people while encouraging owners to be more attentive to the health of their beloved pets," he added.

Adding to the festivities, live music sets kept the energy high, while a pop-up market brought in 20 local Jakpreneur MSMEs to treat the crowd.

"It’s a fantastic showcase for our small businesses to get noticed and connect straight with thousands of participants and festival-goers," Hasudungan added.

He expressed his gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and stakeholders who collaborated in organizing the World Rabies Day Run 2026.

"Next year, we plan to go even bigger—more participants, bigger prizes, and stronger teamwork—with one shared mission: keeping Jakarta safe and 100% rabies-free," he emphasized.

For Kramat Jati local Yolanda (30), running the World Rabies Day Run with her furry best friend was an unforgettable milestone—her first pet run ever.

After catching wind of the race on Instagram, the prospect of a good run paired with a massive dog-lover meetup instantly hooked her.

"Running with my dog while mingling with other pups was incredible. It's my first pet-friendly race, and it definitely won't be my last," she stated.

While giving top marks to the race's vibrant vibe, Kristin suggested fine-tuning the race pack pick-up system next time around to keep queues moving smoothly.

"Why stop at once a year? They should definitely run this more often—the pet community absolutely loves it," she added.