Climb, Breathe, Smile, Repeat.

On the rugged slopes of Mount Merbabu, Indonesia, where the air grows thin and the climbs seem endless, Haimont athlete Dwi Saputra (35) stood at the starting line of the Merbabu Sky Run 42K—ready to face one of the most technical and scenic mountain trails in Southeast Asia.

The Goal: Finish Strong and Enjoy the Journey

For Dwi, the goal was simple but powerful: to finish strong and enjoy every step of the race.

With over 3,000 meters of elevation gain and unpredictable mountain weather, the Merbabu Sky Run demanded not only physical endurance but also mental resilience. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Dwi shared. “But I wanted to experience the mountain fully—to respect it and to find joy in every climb.”

The Challenge: Altitude, Weather, and Patience

The toughest moments came during the steep, technical ascents under shifting weather. “The long climbs and sudden temperature drops made it really tough,” he recalled. “But the real challenge was mental—learning to stay patient, not push too hard too soon.”

As the hours stretched and darkness began to fade, Dwi reached the finish line just before dawn, clocking 11:51:20 and securing 33rd place. “Crossing that line after hours of struggle was deeply emotional. I felt proud—not because I was fast, but because I stayed consistent and finished before sunrise, as I had hoped.”

Preparation Behind the Scenes

In the weeks leading up to the race, Dwi adjusted his training to include more elevation and long runs, all while balancing his full-time work. “It wasn’t easy,” he said. “I couldn’t always train as much as I wanted, but I focused on consistency. That made the difference.”

Before each race, Dwi has a simple ritual: he lays out his gear the night before, double-checks his nutrition, and spends a few minutes visualizing the course. “It helps calm my nerves and remind me that preparation is part of the journey.”

Gear That Works With You, Not Against You

Throughout the race, Dwi relied on Haimont gear to carry him from the first climb to the finish line.

“Haimont gear gave me freedom,” Dwi said. “I didn’t have to think about adjusting or carrying—it all worked seamlessly. Everything stayed in place, water was easy to grab, and I didn’t overheat. It felt like the gear was working with me, not against me.”

A Lesson from the Mountains

When asked what he learned, Dwi didn’t hesitate:

“Patience and consistency are more important than speed in the mountains.”

He also left a message for future runners:

“Never underestimate the importance of proper gear and nutrition—it can make or break your race. Respect the mountain and listen to your body. The trails will test you, but they’ll also reward you with unforgettable moments.”

The Mantra: Climb, Breathe, Smile, Repeat.

For Dwi, those four words captured the spirit of trail running—steady, mindful, and grateful.

As he thanked the Haimont community for their support, his message was simple but heartfelt:

“Thank you to Haimont for creating gear that truly supports us out there. To all trail runners—trust your journey, respect the mountains, and run with joy.”