Padang (ANTARA) - The Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) organized the Hajj Run 2024 in Padang, West Sumatra, on Sunday, aiming to raise public awareness and preparedness regarding the Hajj pilgrimage.
"As an independent Hajj financial management body, BPKH is tasked with enhancing public literacy on Hajj matters, both financially and health-wise," said BPKH member Harry Alexander.
He explained that the event featured 5- and 10-kilometer runs, with the 5-kilometer run designed to simulate the tawaf and sa’i rituals that pilgrims must perform.
The 10-kilometer run, on the other hand, aimed to replicate the average distance covered by pilgrims during their two-way journey between Mina and Jumarat during Hajj, he added.
"The 5- and 10-kilometer runs are intended to help prospective Hajj pilgrims get used to these distances so they can perform Hajj in optimal physical condition," Alexander said.
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He noted that the Hajj Run 2024 was targeted not only at senior prospective pilgrims but also at younger generations.
The event is also expected to encourage young Muslims to begin preparing for Hajj early, as Indonesian citizens may face a waiting period of over 25 years to perform the pilgrimage.
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Alexander added that BPKH is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the Indonesian Hajj Doctors Association (Perdoki) to promote the importance of physical and mental preparation for Hajj.
Regarding financial matters, he stated that the agency has partnered with seven banks to improve prospective pilgrims' understanding of Hajj fund management.
