Surprise yourself

More than a bridge between East and West, Bucharest is a unique city with top-quality museums, intricately carved churches and neoclassical palaces.

Through its geographical position Bucharest emerged as the region’s largest city. Although different cultures and civilizations passed over its territory the city built its own unique identity.

The culture is a mix between a local outlook and influences to which Romanians felt close, especially French influences. This is reflected in the nicknames by which the city is sometimes known: “Little Paris” or “Paris of the East”.

For more than 50 years after World War II the entire country became a prisoner of communism and was subjected to massive transformations. Earthquakes, fire and the two World Wars have destroyed a large part of the city’s heritage. Few of the city’s constructions are over 200 years old but as a result Bucharest is a young, fast-developing and dynamic city.

The City’s name originates from a shepherd, who was the first person to establish himself in the area, named Bucur – literarily meaning “joy”. Just like a youngster present-day Bucharest is a city full of energy, a city that knows how to live, a city that rediscovers itself every day – a city of joy!

Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest Marathon starts and finishes in front of the Parliament Palace. Construction of the building started in 1980, during a period of economic hardship, using only materials of Romanian origin. It covers an area of 365,000 square metres and is the world’s largest administrative building (for civil use), the heaviest and most expensive building in the world and the third largest in volume.

The course passes through the very heart of the city and past Bucharest’s major landmarks: the Triumphal Arch, National History Museum, CEC Palace, Military Palace, Enescu Museum, National Museum of Art, the Romanian Athenaeum; and through large parks and along green boulevards.

In the oldest part of the city lie the remains of a fortress where Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Dracula) lived in the 15th century. Through these sights you feel the power of a vibrant and eclectic city and enjoy a once in a lifetime running experience.

The event incorporates the Romanian National Marathon Championships. The first edition back in 2008 attracted 800 runners from 10 countries; the 2019 edition hosted over 19,000 runners from more than 85 countries. The race has enjoyed one of the highest year-by-year increases in participation anywhere in Europe. Apart from the Marathon and children’s races, 10km, Half Marathon and Relay (teams of 4) races are available.

The Kids Races are Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest Marathon’s proudest achievement. They had around 8500 participants in 2019, and are one of the biggest non-competitive running events for children throughout Europe.

Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest Marathon is the largest mass sports event in Romania. It supports over 30 social causes. Awareness of the event is used to create a beneficial social and economic impact on the local community.

Apart from sightseeing the flat and fast course offers runners a good chance to achieve new personal best times. Come, see, discover the city of Bucharest and celebrate Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest Marathon’s 15th Anniversary.