Bandung. A running event hosted by éL Hotel in Bandung on Sunday attracted 300 participants from various cities, exceeding the target set by the organizers.

The 5K running event was opened by Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno just after dawn.

"The number of participants is beyond the limit that we have set. We also learned that the participants came from not only Bandung but also Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya," éL Hotel Group founder Enggartiasto Lukita said after the event.

“We thank the tourism and creative economy minister for opening this event and participating in person together with other runners despite his busy schedule -- he has built a reputation as an enthusiastic runner himself,” Enggartiasto said of Sandiaga.

“We hope this event will benefit the community, especially those running enthusiasts.”

He said the event was held for those who love running either for pleasure or as a sport, promising to make it a routine agenda in any city where éL Hotel is located.

Sandiaga, a dedicated sport-tourism campaigner, said a public event like the éL Hotel Bandung Fun Run can contribute to the local economy while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

"Hopefully the fun run becomes an impactful event in Bandung and beyond because it was aired live by the media and promotes business and economic opportunities," he said.

Sandiaga also said he planned to make a stop at a legendary café on Jalan Banceuy on his way to the airport, where he will depart for an official trip. 

“There is a pleasant coffee aroma which has become famous since Mr. Enggar was a schoolboy because [the café] spans the generations,” Sandiaga said, calling the éL Hotel Group founder by his nickname.