The 14th edition of the Oltenia Marathon brought together more than 700 participants during the weekend of August 29–30, both in the races held in Râmnicu Vâlcea and as part of the Virtual Race. This year’s edition introduced two firsts to the event’s programme – Hyathlon Hybrid Racing, held in Romania for the first time, and the new 10 km Urban Run. Participants’ efforts also turned into support for the local community, as Distribuție Oltenia doubled the value of the registration fees.

For two days, the #SportiviDeGașcă community brought together cycling, running and functional fitness in Zăvoi Park, at the Municipal Stadium and on the routes around Râmnicu Vâlcea.

On Saturday, 141 participants took part in the 22 km MTB race, while 115 athletes competed in Hyathlon Hybrid Racing. The new event combined nine 400-metre running segments with eight functional fitness stations and could be completed individually or in teams of two.

“We wanted to experience the premiere of Hyathlon Hybrid Racing on the course, and I can say that it is a challenge that matches the energy of the Oltenia Marathon. I am glad that we were able to bring a new format to the event and that so many #SportiviDeGașcă athletes chose to take on the challenge with us. The Oltenia Marathon is about the people who return year after year, those who are joining us for the first time, and the energy we build together, edition after edition. I believe that it is precisely this community that gives the event its identity and motivates us to keep moving forward,” said Ondrej Safar, Chief Executive Officer of Distribuție Oltenia.

On Sunday, 250 runners took part in the 12 km and 22 km Trail Run races, while the new 10 km Urban Run attracted 81 participants. They were joined by 73 participants in the 4 km Fun Run and 211 children in the traditional Children’s Race. Another 52 athletes took part remotely in the Virtual Race.