Recreational runners are non-professional individuals who engage in regular running activities for fitness and health rather than competition. Currently, running events such as fun runs and half-marathons are becoming increasingly popular, encouraging the formation of various running communities. These groups typically conduct training sessions and participate in running events outdoors, which not only provide health benefits but may also increase the risk of exposure to air pollutants.

Air quality is an important environmental factor that affects public health. Various air pollutants, including particulate matter, gases, and heavy metals such as lead (Pb), can negatively impact human health. Although physical activity provides many health benefits, exercising in polluted environments may increase health risks because higher ventilation rates during exercise lead to greater inhalation of pollutants. This exposure can trigger inflammatory responses in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Lead is particularly concerning because it accumulates in the body and interferes with heme synthesis, reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Consequently, elevated lead levels may impair physical fitness and exercise performance while increasing physiological stress during physical activity.

In response to this, Sports Medicine Universitas Indonesia in collaboration with CATA-Earth UI, Community Medicine UI, and Pure Earth Indonesia organized this event to screen lead levels among recreational runners, as well as to provide education on potential lead exposure and its impact on health and performance.

This event was held over three days—March 30, April 4, and April 6, 2026—with 48 participants from the Recreational Runner Community (various runner groups). Each session included the following activities:

• Blood sampling and Body Composition Measurements
• Education and Question & Answer Session

Blood Sampling and Body Composition Measurements Pictures.

Education and QnA Session