Whether you usually run through the Carpathians or have experience in iconic races in the Alps, Pyrenees, Apennines, Balkans, Caucasus, or Urals, the Apuseni Mountains (or Western Carpathians) in Romania remain one of Europe’s authentic hidden gems! Come discover it with us, in your own beat and the mountain beat, on June 6!
For the 15th anniversary edition of the .msg Maraton Apuseni, the ultramarathon supported by .msg Romania and La Sportiva, offers an experience that is as technical —66.1 km and 3,100 m of elevation gain—as runnable, set in a landscape that blends alpine plateaus, ancient forests, and a nature reserve with endemic species unique to Europe.
The race is classified as UTMB Index 50K and offers 3 ITRA points, combining athletic performance with an authentic cultural and natural experience.
15 Reasons to Choose the Ultramarathon in Apuseni
For those who have already run the ultramarathon as part of the .msg Maraton Apuseni, the course has a story of its own. For those just getting acquainted with this race, it’s more important to understand what awaits them in the Apuseni Mountains!
We’ve picked out 15 reasons to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the .msg Maraton Apuseni with an ultra:
- A race that combines flow and verticality: The course profile is moderately technical, with fast sections and sustained climbs. The ideal combination for those with alpine trail running experience.
- Smart two-loop structure: The 45 km loop and the 21 km loop allow for pacing and race strategy, similar to races in the Pyrenees or the Dolomites.
- Scărița-Belioara Nature Reserve: the most spectacular section, featuring limestone cliffs, steep slopes, and rare plant species.
- Idyllic viewpoints: Buscat, Piatra Cântătoare, and Creasta Stâncoasă offer breathtaking natural panoramas.
- Muntele Mare Plateau: picturesque thanks to its superb openness, granite massif, and oligotrophic marshes.
- Rural authenticity of the Apuseni Mountains: You will discover huts, monumental barns covered with thatch or shingles, large log stables with thatched roofs, forgotten hamlets, local trails, and traditional infrastructure. A cultural experience unique in Europe.
- Exploring the Moți and Mocani communities: You’ll discover two distinct historical ethnographic communities in the Apuseni Mountains. The Moți were involved in mining and logging, while the Mocani raised cattle and sheep.
- The “high-exposure” experience: The ultramarathon course always offers wind, open horizons, and visual navigation—conditions comparable to some races in the Tatras or the Alps.
- Faster course: Designed to allow for a steady pace, the course was redesigned in 2025 to increase the race’s accessibility.
- Estimated finish time under 8 hours for winners: In other words, a fast, runnable mountain ultra with sustained climbs and flowing descents.
- Attractive package of 3 ITRA points + UTMB 50K Index: for those building their qualifications for international-level races.
- Unique atmosphere along the route: hydration and aid stations staffed by enthusiastic volunteers who support the runners and motivate them to keep going. Runners from abroad discover the magic of the words Bun Venit! (meaning Welcome!) and Mulțumesc! (meanin Thank you!)
- Tough mental sections: beyond the physical effort, you’ll discover the mental strength required to finish the Apuseni ultramarathon.
- The Rhythm of the Apuseni Mountains: the race profile will take you through a unique musical score with varied tempos: adagio, andante, allegro, vivace!
- A 15-year anniversary with community DNA: an event built by the local community and volunteers, with an authentic mountain spirit.
A European Ultramarathon With its Own Identity – De Apuseni
The ultramarathon within the 15th Maraton Apuseni edition offers an authentic, less crowded alternative, deeply connected to the natural landscape. For runners with experience in the Alps, Pyrenees, or Tatras, this race will be a great discovery: an ultramarathon with its own identity where adapting to the terrain is more important than physical strength.
Registration here: https://maratonapuseni.ro/en/registrations/
Trail map and details here: https://maratonapuseni.ro/en/ultramarathon/
We thank on the occasion to all our partners who make this race possible:
- Main title partner – msg Romania
- Technical partner – La Sportiva
- Race partners – Banca Transilvania, Garmin, Gerovital – Farmec
- Location partners – Buscat Ski & Summer Resort
- Specialized partners – Zumont, Mountex, AlpinExpe, Adrenalin Park, World Class,
- Hydration partners: Ursus Cooler
- Nutrition partners: Pro Nutrition
- Tourist partner: Christian Tour
- Partners: Elf’st marketing & investment, Transylvania Mountain Festival, Black Wolf
- Institutional partners: Consiliul Județean Cluj, Consiliul Județean Alba, Salvamont Cluj, Salvamont Alba, Jandarmeria Cluj, Jandarmeria Alba
- Media partners: Rock FM, Radio Cluj, Cluj.com
