Balikpapan, October 19, 2025 — Amid hundreds of enthusiastic adult runners completing the 5-kilometer course, a small figure with a bright smile stole the spotlight. Her name is Sabrina, an 11-year-old second grader from SD 009 Balikpapan Barat. She became the first female finisher in the ITK Fun Run 2025, one of the highlight events celebrating the 11th Anniversary of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK).

With quick strides and steady breathing, Sabrina completed the 5K route in an impressive 24 minutes, outperforming many adult participants. Though small in stature, her spirit is tremendous.

“Running is fun! I love it when I can reach the finish line first,” she said cheerfully while holding her newly earned finisher’s medal.

Sabrina’s love for running didn’t come out of nowhere it started with her mother, who first introduced her to the sport. From an early age, Sabrina has been training daily, whether running around her neighborhood or joining local running communities. She is also an active member of a local running club and has participated in several races, even outside her hometown.

She learned about the ITK Fun Run through the Indorunner Balikpapan community, which often shares information about running events. Despite knowing that most participants were adults, Sabrina didn’t hesitate to join. This isn’t her first time standing on the podium she has been a top finisher in several races, once setting her personal best at 22 minutes for 5 kilometers and completing 7 kilometers in another event.

For Sabrina, running is more than just a sport it’s her playground, her lesson in discipline, and a way to meet new people.

“I want to keep joining races and someday run even farther,” she said with determination.

Sabrina’s story reminds us that passion, perseverance, and family support can lead to extraordinary achievements, even at a very young age. Amid the excitement of ITK Fun Run 2025, her small steps became a powerful symbol that sports unite people of all ages.