Karanganyar, Central Java. Two participants in the Siksorogo Lawu Ultra 2025 died during the 15-kilometer Fun Run segment on Sunday after collapsing on steep mountain trails amid heavy rain.

Karanganyar Police confirmed that the first report reached authorities at 11:30 a.m., shortly after fellow runners discovered a participant unconscious on the Mitis Hill trail at kilometer 12. Police spokesperson Inspector Mulyadi said the man, identified as Pujo Buntoro of Karanganyar and an employee of the Religious Affairs Ministry in Solo, was already deceased when marshals and first aid responders reached him.

“Evacuation was extremely challenging because of heavy rain and slippery trails,” Mulyadi said. The body was finally brought down at around 2:30 p.m. and taken to Karanganyar General Hospital.

A second fatality was reported just 11 minutes after the first. Another runner, later identified as Sigit Joko Poernomo of Central Jakarta and head of the General Affairs Bureau at the Tourism Ministry, was found unconscious at kilometer 8 on the Cemoro Wayang trail. “Responders moved quickly, but the victim could not be saved,” Mulyadi said.

Initial police information suggests Pujo had a history of lung problems, while Sigit is suspected to have suffered cardiac arrest. Both bodies were sent for medical examination.

Karanganyar Police said standard procedures were followed and extended condolences to the families. The bodies have been returned to relatives.

Organizers Lean on Waiver

Amid public criticism, event organizers emphasized that all participants had signed a liability waiver acknowledging the risks of mountain running. Siksorogo board member Tony Hatmoko said the waiver is standard practice and legally protects the committee from lawsuits, including in the event of death.

“In the waiver, participants agree not to sue the organizers in extraordinary incidents, including fatalities. They understand the high risks,” he said at a press conference on Monday.

Tony added that the race’s insurance coverage applies only to physical accidents such as falls or being hit by debris, not sudden medical conditions like heart attacks. “Because both incidents involved cardiac issues, they were not covered,” he said.

Organizers said condolence payments had been provided to both families and maintained that medical teams acted according to protocol. They clarified that both victims were Fun Run participants, not ultra-distance runners.

Event director Rachmat Septiyanto acknowledged a last-minute route change to avoid a landslide-prone area, forcing runners through the steeper Mitis Peak. The adjustment, announced one to two hours before the start, increased elevation by roughly 100 meters and made the course more demanding.