MAPALA PIRANHA Athletes Sweep Achievements at the Nature Lovers Trail Run, Affirming ULM Students’ Competitiveness
Banjarmasin — Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) has once again achieved impressive student achievements in outdoor sports. Three students from the MAPALA PIRANHA ULM Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) won podium finishes in the nature lovers trail run competition organized by MAPALA Sylva, ULM’s Faculty of Forestry, in South Kalimantan, on November 30, 2025.
In the event, Bayu Andrean won first place in the Male Nature Lovers category, followed by Avril Eka Zhulyana in second place in the Female Nature Lovers category, and Muhammad Sami in third place in the Male Nature Lovers category. This achievement is a testament to the physical and mental resilience and fighting spirit of ULM students in conquering extreme natural challenges.
This trail run competition featured a challenging course, ranging from long climbs and steep paths to energy-sapping muddy trails. To prepare for the event, the MAPALA PIRANHA FPIK ULM team underwent intensive physical preparation for approximately 2.5 months at a training center, which included interval training, long runs, and hilly terrain.
Bayu Andrean revealed that this victory was meaningful. The previous year, he had to abandon his goal of winning due to a leg injury. “I am grateful and proud that MAPALA PIRANHA and ULM gave me the opportunity to participate in this event again and finally win,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Sami explained that the toughest challenges came from the extreme climbs in the first kilometer and the slippery muddy trails midway through the race. “At the point of exhaustion, I had to fight myself to stay focused and strong until the finish line. Thank God, I was able to finish the race unscathed and reach the podium,” he said.
For Avril Eka Zhulyana, this event was her first trail running experience. The steep, steep, and slippery terrain posed a significant challenge, but the support of his teammates and consistent training enabled him to successfully complete the competition. “I’m very proud and motivated. This experience was truly memorable and unforgettable,” she said.
This achievement demonstrates that ULM students not only excel academically but also possess extraordinary capacity to develop interests and talents in sports, youth, and a love of nature. An unyielding spirit, teamwork, and courage in facing challenges are key values reflected in this achievement.
Lambung Mangkurat University is committed to continuously encouraging and strengthening student achievement in various fields, including outdoor sports and character-based student activities. Going forward, ULM will continue to strive to create a campus ecosystem that supports inspiring achievements, while also developing a resilient, competitive, and character-driven young generation.
The achievement of MAPALA PIRANHA FPIK ULM is expected to inspire the entire ULM academic community to continue to strive further, conquer challenges, and bring honor to the university in various achievement events.
