Transylvania’s iconic new race

It’s known for its medieval Saxon walls and bastions, the towering Gothic-style Black Church, lively cafes and, starting from 2022, for one of the fastest and most spectacular road races in the world. In 2022 the Brasov Running Festival 10K produced some of the fastest performances in history over the distance.

Getting to Brasov is easy, since it is a major railway hub, while the new Brasov airport is also set to open from June 2023. The Brasov Running Festival takes place in the Coresi neighbourhood, the most beautiful and modern urban regeneration project in Romania. It is spectacular to see the development of what, a few years ago, was a forgotten industrial site. The Brasov course is fast and flat: runners from the world’s superstars to the most common amateur have the chance to record a lifetime best performance here.

In 2022 the Brasov Running Festival 10K became one of the top 10 races in the WA Performance Rankings, with three of the fastest 10 results in history over the distance having been recorded in the Brasov race. Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli set a phenomenal inaugural course record of 26:51. Hundreds of amateur runners were happy and proud to be able to cheer the elite runners while running on the same course.

“A historical result, a European or a World Record, will soon be run on the streets of Brasov, while the amateur runners will understand that this is more than a common race,” says race director Daniel Santa.

As a special guest for the 2022 edition Mary Keitany, world record holder for the women-only Marathon, was impressed with the development of this event: ”I was surprised by Brasov. It is such a beautiful city, and the event is so well organised, the experience for both the elite athletes and the amateurs is one to appreciate. This is one of the places you need to run at least once in your life and set a long lasting personal best.”

Ten races will be organised on 9–10 September 2023, both for children and adults. There is the chance to participate in the Women Only High Heels Fun Race as well as the 5K and 10K races on Sunday. On Saturday children will run in the 800m, 1200m and 3000m with electronic chip-timing while the elite athletes will battle for new records over the Night Mile and the star 10K race.

The course is a flat and fast 3333.3m loop that offers the spectators the opportunity to see the athletes three times, while also offering the runners the chance to enjoy the cheering zone on each of the three laps.

The racing experience will be enriched by running-related conferences and movie nights, concerts and spectacular cheering zones where local and international DJs and artists will create a unique atmosphere. With the Carpathian Mountains on the horizon and the warm local public on the side lines, your race will be one to remember.