On June 6, 2026, a new chapter will begin in Apuseni, Western Carpathian Mountains: the msg Apuseni Marathon is launching the No Limits race as part of its 15th-anniversary edition—the first trail running race dedicated to people with disabilities! Thousands of runners and supporters will take the starting line alongside the first four teams, each consisting of a person with a physical disability and supporting runners. A unique moment that promotes inclusion, sportsmanship, and community responsibility!
Now in its 15th edition, the .msg Apuseni Marathon is an event organized by the Romanian Alpine Club – Cluj Branch in partnership with .msg Romania, supported by La Sportiva with technical gear, which brings mountain enthusiasts together in a unique competitive setting with local roots.
The anniversary program includes technical and popular races, on-course challenges, festive moments, and an atmosphere unique to the Apuseni Mountains.
Competition Schedule, at a glance
5:00 AM – START: Subaru Ultramarathon
8:00 AM – START: .msg Marathon
09:00 – START: Banca Transilvania Half Marathon
10:00 – START: Garmin & No Limits Cross-Country Race
12:30 – START: Family Gerovital (0–3 years & 4–7 years)
13:00 – START: Family Gerovital (8–10 years & 11–15 years)
2:30 PM – Gerovital Family Awards Ceremony
5:00 PM – Grand Awards Ceremony
Who will be lining up at the start of this anniversary edition?
.msg The Apuseni Marathon reaffirms its international character this year, bringing together runners from 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, the Netherlands, Poland, Greece, Romania, Switzerland, Spain, the UK, and the USA. Some are world-class athletes, some have a history of success in the competition, and of course there are new participants, but all will enjoy the idyllic trails of the Apuseni Mountains!
At this time, the data shows that the shorter-distance races are attracting the most registrations, but there is also an elite community seeking extreme challenges.
The most popular race in the Apuseni Mountains remains the 23 km half-marathon, with 48% of runners. The second most popular race is the 10 km, which serves as an introduction to trail running or a speed race, depending on training, accounting for 32% of all entries.
More determined but also better prepared are those who chose the 44 km marathon with 2,531 m of elevation gain (13%), part of the Carpathian Circuit, and the 66 km ultramarathon (5%) with an impressive 3,100 m of elevation gain.
A first in Romanian trail running: the 2026 edition officially launches the No Limits race for competitors with physical disabilities. Four mixed teams, each consisting of an athlete with a physical disability on an adapted bicycle and supporting runners, will compete on the 10 km course with 500 m of elevation gain, in a true test of endurance, collaboration, and pushing boundaries. This is the first edition of the competition, which aims to expand participation to include athletes with other types of disabilities by 2027.
Although participation remains predominantly male (67%), there is also a notable increase in female participation: 33% of the total. The most balanced gender distribution is found in the Cross-Country race, while in the half-marathon women account for only 28% of the field, and in the marathon and ultra-marathon, men make up over 85% of the field. These figures indicate that women’s endurance sports need to be promoted more vigorously to reach the levels seen in other countries.
In focus: more challenges, more surprises!
The anniversary edition brings back the challenge for the title of King and Queen of the Mountain 2026. The Grand START will once again feature a warm-up led by the WorldClass Romania team, great music, and the cheers of supporters! Along the route, we will be greeted by the Tulnicăresele folk group from the Apuseni Mountains, traditional folk costumes, and dedicated volunteers ready to help if needed!
The awards ceremony will feature a generous prize fund of over eight thousand euros, supplemented this year with the support of our partner Banca Transilvania.
Responsibility toward the environment and the community
The anniversary edition continues its initiatives to promote responsibility and education through reforestation with school groups, the construction of gazebos, mountain shelters, and protective infrastructure in the Apuseni Mountains, support for rural schools, and the implementation of “Leave No Trace” measures during the race.
ABOUT THE EVENT
.msg The Apuseni Marathon is a landmark event in Romania’s sporting calendar, bringing together professional and amateur runners for 15 years in a spectacular natural setting. The event promotes mountain running, respect for nature, and the development of the trail running community.
June 6, 2026, Buscat Resort – Băișoara.
In a mountain beat, for everyone!
Thank you to all the partners who make this edition possible!
- Official Partner – .msg Romania
- Technical Partner – La Sportiva
- Race Partners – Subaru, Banca Transilvania, Garmin, Gerovital
- Nutrition Partner: Pro Nutrition
- Race Index: ITRA – International Trail Running Association, UTMB 50k / 20k, Carpathian Circuit
- Venue Partner – Buscat Ski & Summer Resort
- Various partners – Zumont, Alllmountain, AlpinExpe, Paste Novita, Torockoi – De Colțești, World Class, PhysioPro, Muntele Basmelor, Fabrica de Științe, Adrenalin Park, Cluj Hunt, Hap de la Vlad, Caiac Smile, Tortelli Pasta, Kayak Tours, Marty Restaurants, Cetina Ski & Outdoor Team
- Hydration partners: Izvorul Minunilor, Frutti Fresh
- Tourism partner: Christian Tour
- Partners: Elf’st marketing & investment, Transylvania Mountain Festival, Black Wolf, MTB Odyssey Apuseni Race
- Institutional partners: Cluj County Council, Alba County Council, Cluj Mountain Rescue, Alba Mountain Rescue, Cluj Gendarmerie, Alba Gendarmerie
- Media partners: Rock FM, Radio Cluj, Cluj.com
- Organizer – Romanian Alpine Club – Cluj Branch
