The First Ultra Race Romania - Exploring a Land of Legend

Press Release / 09.09.2021

Just think of running / walking / crawling 250km in 6 stages (7 days) in a part of Romania with beautiful green landscapes, where the legends of the past are still a way of living and the blend of history, culture and the beauty of the nature makes it a must-do on any runner’s bucket list.

“When we first thought about this race we promised ourselves to bring the competitors to a part of Romania where “legends meet”, so that they would have the opportunity to run in a beautiful and legendary landscape,  and have the journey of a lifetime. Each stage is designed to instantly transport the runners to places full of stories that cannot wait to be discovered”, confessed the 2 race directors, Andrei Gligor and Daniel Nica, two ultra running friends who have raced multi-stage self-sufficient races all over the world in recent years.

In short, the competitors have to cover 250km (155 miles) with 11.000m (36.000ft) elevation gain,  in 6 stages, in beautiful but challenging terrain, carrying all they need to survive for the whole week.

The first reward will be stunning landscapes, meeting beautiful people and friendships gained along the way. And to wrap it up in Romanian style, the whole adventure ends with a two day trip to Dracula’s Castle and Peles Castle, having a glimpse of Romanian history and culture and experiencing Romanian cuisine and traditions.

The second reward, for those seeking UTMB qualifying points, Ultra Race Romania has been ITRA certified and given 6 qualifying points.

2021 Edition in Short

On 9th of August, 13 competitors from 7 countries started the 250km adventure in the wilderness of Buzau mountains.

Stage 1: 32 km, 1236 m D+, just for warming up and enjoying the scenery, took them to the mysterious Eagle Lake and up to Malaia peak

Stage 2: 37.6 km, 1826 m D+, unveiled the beauty of Podu Calului mountains and the Casoca waterfall, a place full of legends.

Stage 3: 46.6 km,  1800 m D+. The fun begins. The climbing is getting steeper and competitors feel the weight of their backpack even more.

Stage 4: 78.6 km, 1679 m D+. The nightmare.  The longest and hardest part of the race.  Still, after completing this one competitors might enjoy a rest day.

Stage 5: 38.7 km, 1403 m D+. More local beauty to discover: The Living stones and the Gate of God. Just enjoy the names of these places!

Stage 6 (final one): 16 km, 343 m D+. An epic finish at the Muddy Vulcanos!

A Little Bit of Madness, but in a Good Way

The management team together with dedicated volunteers, medical staff and media team did everything in their power to help each competitor reach the end of this beautiful dream.  9 “legends” finished the race on the last day. The winner, Davide Vitali (IT) managed an incredible result of 38 hours and 56 minutes for the whole 250 km. Each and everyone present wrote their own legend in the Romanian wilderness.

But, as each competitor crossed the finish line, all realized that somehow they didn't want it to be over. Ultra Race Romania is all about emotions, lifetime friendship and why don't we say it ... a little bit of madness, but in a good way.

“Most ultras now say they are tougher than the Marathon des Sables, but this race in Romania was a brutal struggle from beginning to end. With 36000 ft elevation gain, it pushed me to the limit way beyond I thought it was possible." - Lee Thomas  - Finisher of Ultra Race Romania 2021.

2022 registration is now open – Your story is just starting to be written at Ultra Race Romania

https://ultraraceromania.ro/2022-the-race/entry-details-registration/