Banca Transilvania is the bank for entrepreneurs, but it’s also the bank for runners! In 2026, as part of the 15th anniversary edition of the .msg Apuseni Marathon, we’ll also celebrate 5 years of the Banca Transilvania Half Marathon—an enthusiastic partnership that opens up new opportunities every year for active people who want to lead a healthier lifestyle in harmony with nature! Every year, the 23 km half marathon with 1,110 m D+ has fantastic energy at the start, brings cool surprises, and attracts new competitors!
This year, the race will be decked out in festive attire—by La Sportiva —and promises a diverse field of participants: both national and international! The Banca Transilvania Half Marathon comes with 1 ITRA point and a UTMB 20k index. Two details that make the race in the Apuseni Mountains all the more attractive!
15 Milestones to Reach During the Banca Transilvania Half Marathon
Those 23 km aren’t just about distance and elevation. They’re about transformation and adaptation! Whether you’re making the transition to the half marathon, a speed runner, or someone running for training on June 6, you’ll discover some key moments along this route.
For these 15 milestones, it’s worth coming to Buscat and running the Banca Transilvania Half Marathon.
- Start at Buscat Resort: warm-up to energizing beats with top-notch instructors. Then the countdown begins and it’s go time! The amphitheater amplifies the sound, and you can feel your footsteps through the morning dew!
- The Blue Trail: The descent forces you to pick up speed. Your first impression is that it will all be easy!
- Ascent through the forest: The scent of fir trees and the settling silence give you a sense of the terrain you’re about to enter. By this point, the field has already thinned out.
- Vadului Valley: a descent begins that requires attention to the terrain, so as not to waste precious time.
- Boinic Hill: from the valley, the path climbs diagonally through the pasture toward this picturesque hill. From here, another realm will open up.
- Zăpodie – A lost paradise: here you will discover a scattered, pastoral settlement in a landscape that leaves you in awe! The sheepfolds and barns with high thatched roofs—typical of the Apuseni Mountains—are silent witnesses to the hard life and customs of the people here.
- Tisa Valley: after veering slightly left to bypass the marshy area, you will cross this valley where the stream of the same name winds its way. The run is smooth, in tune with the rhythm of the mountains.
- Circling Mount Boului – to reach the area above Știolne. Note: here, marathon runners head toward the nature reserve, while half-marathon runners descend toward the picturesque huts at Știolne. You’ll feel as though eternity was born in the mountains.
- Bocșești: another pastoral seasonal settlement that seems plucked from the annals of time. Here, the Apuseni Mountains smile shyly at you, and in that silence, you’ll understand why runners return here year after year.
- Crencii Cross: after a few springs, a new area emerges with a few scattered huts. From here, the pace begins to change. You are approaching the mental challenge that will decide the outcome.
- Pietrele Mărunte (Little Rocks): once you’ve climbed up, a superb panorama delights your eyes! Take a moment to pause here and admire the Apuseni Mountains, the horizon, and the mystery of these places.
- The descent to Buscat (Șesu Cald): a sprint that can be glorious or arduous. A short 4-km stretch from which you’ll see the amphitheater of the base camp.
- The finish line at Buscat: cheers, vuvuzelas, cowbells, and loved ones or running and hiking buddies.
- Transylvanian goulash: once it’s all over, a hearty serving of goulash cooked the Apuseni way (either with meat or beans) awaits.
- Awards ceremony with raffle: the most anticipated moment of the program, when we applaud the winners, celebrate the day’s successes, and can’t wait to be drawn in the event’s grand raffle! Garmin watches, gear, and the whole shebang!
A Race With its Own Identity: By Apuseni
The Banca Transilvania Half Marathon, part of the .msg Apuseni Marathon, already has a unique energy and its own identity. The “De Apuseni” spirit is unmistakable and can only be experienced by coming to the event, celebrating to the rhythm of the mountains alongside thousands of participants!
See you at the START on June 6, 2026, at Buscat Resort, Cluj, Romania!
Register here: https://maratonapuseni.ro/inscriere/
Trail and details here: https://maratonapuseni.ro/en/half-marathon/
Thank to all our partners who make this race possible:
- Official partner – msg Romania
- Technical partner – La Sportiva
- Race partners – Banca Transilvania, Garmin, Gerovital – Farmec
- Venue partner – Buscat Ski & Summer Resort
- Specialized partner – Zumont, Mountex, AlpinExpe, Adrenalin Park, World Class,
- Hydration partner: Ursus Cooler
- Nutrition partner: Pro Nutrition
- Touristical partner: Christian Tour
- Parteners: 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
