Roșia Montană Marathon is a competition with a very beautiful route, with many beautiful places - Piatra Corbului, Copper Quarry, Gold Mine, and the locals are warm-hearted and welcoming people. Thank you to the organizers for the invitation, for organizing this beautiful event and for sharing this wonderful place with me. I invite as many of you as possible to participate in the Rosia Montana Marathon to see these wonderful places.
Constantina Diță
Romania's only Olympic marathon champion
I had heard about a Marathon at Rosia Montana since 2015, but ... I didn't manage to get there. However, in 2016, I have made it my goal to get to Rosia Montana, the former Alburnus Maior of antiquity, for the first time. In July 2016 I arrived in Roșia Montană with my family in the evening, and in the morning I took the start - which was given by Olympic champion Constantina Diță, also running the 10 km race - in one of the most beautiful marathon races in Romania. I was very impressed by the beauty of the places, especially the Brazi Valley, the old architecture of the houses in Roșia Montana, some of them in an advanced state of decay, as many of the inhabitants have left, being lured by the money offered by Roșia Montană Gold Corporation, which is manipulating and wants to open the way for a large-scale gold mining operation in the area, which would practically mean the disappearance of Roșia Montane as a habitat area and the surrounding areas, and at the same time an ecological disaster for the area, the effects of which can never be erased or forgotten. In this sense, a handful of people with big hearts and nature lovers, from the Pachamama Romania Association, are fighting for the Rights of Nature and instead of mining, they propose a particularly beautiful Marathon race at Roșia Montană. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for this and I stand with them.
Ştefan Sălăgean
Marathon Winner 2016
Roșia Montană. This is my first time in this locality, in this corner of heaven. The first time I run in this competition. I took home with me the beauty of the Apuseni Mountains, the beauty of the winding streets of Roșia, the warmth of the people who are left in the village. I liked the way the competition was organized. A handful of people, lovers of nature, movement and beauty, got together and organized a great competition, in an area full of history, in a troubled area. By taking part in this competition, I have chosen to fight with you to save this beautiful area. Thank you! And I promise to see you again. A.... something else... while walking almost barefoot, on the rocks of the gold-laden mountains, I thought the old saying was true: "Our mountains are bearing gold/But we're begging at other's people's doors". I was somewhat saddened, and I ran away harder, so that no one, not even thoughts, not even times, could catch up with me.
Călin Vaipan
Marathon Winner 2018
I hadn't participated in a race for about a month, and I set off to Roșia Montană with excitement, intending to run as well as I could through a beautiful area. It's a region where I ran two years ago when I won the half marathon, so I knew what to expect, aware of how stunning the area is. From my perspective, the half marathon route has a moderate difficulty level, offering a chance to enjoy the scenery, glance left and right; it's a very well-marked trail. I thank the organizers for their dedication, a successful event from every perspective. Roșia Montană must be saved and promoted through such events. Congratulations to the organizers and all the runners who ran through the past and present. I'll gladly return to the Roșia Montană Marathon whenever I have the opportunity.
Cristian Pop
winner half marathon 2017, 2019, 2023
My name is Sălăgean Ștefania and I am 8 years old. I came to the Roșia Montană Marathon 2019 running competition with my father, where I took part in the 11 km Cross-Country Race and then in the Children's Race. Before the Children's Race I was also a volunteer at the Creative Workshop. There were three fairies there: me, Eliza and Ioana. At Roșia Montană I felt like I was in a fairytale. The fairies, with their magic dust, made you feel like you were at a ball. Everyone was happy. At Rosia Montana I felt wonderful and very strong! See you next year!
Ștefania Sălăgean
youngest competitor in the 11 km Cross Country Race
What do the two have in common: "Roșia Montană" and "running"? I'll tell you... the landscape of the area, the energetic charge of the place and the quietness that prevails over the surrounding forests. Some may find peace in the psychologist's armchair, I found it in mountain running with my dearest friends, and the Roșia Montană Marathon offers a real package of benefits for body and soul. When I took the start (being my first marathon), I was thinking about the distance I had to cover, the energy dosage and of course the critical moments specific to such a run, experiences I had heard from other runners. I've been on the podium before in the last 2 years, having only been a runner for two and a half years after an aggressive cancer. It was actually because of this diagnosis that I started running and now I see it as a positive moment in my life because with each run I gained friends and experience, and the most important gain was enjoying the simple things. I had never run a marathon before, but the experience was different than what I imagined. The rays of the sun at sunrise, the dew of the grass, the smell of the wildflowers, the songs of the birds and the mirroring of the silence helped me make running a pleasure and cross the finish line first. Only the heat was a hindrance to a perfect run, but even this was alternated with the coolness and humidity of the woods. At the end of the race, I had the support of the other runners cheering me on and especially my friends who got involved as volunteers or runners. For sure next year I will come back with the same joy and I will take more friends with me to enjoy a short holiday full of movement in nature...
Ghizela Vonica
Marathon Winner 2021
After two years away from competitions, I decided to participate in Rosia Montana Marathon. Three weeks before the competition I stepped for the first time to Roșia Montană to test the route and discovered wild and wonderful places. The race was very intense from the first km to the end and the heat was our partner. Everything was perfect: route signage, hydration points, and the volunteers were exceptional. I discovered a community of people who filled my soul with joy throughout the event. Thank you so much for all the fun, everything was perfect! We will definitely see you again next year!
Luca Bedetti
Marathon Winner 2021
My name is Dumitru Florin Guț, I am 17 years old and I am a competitive athlete. The cross-country race in Roșia Montană was a very beautiful one with landscapes hard to forget. The route was exceptional, very well marked and with well trained volunteers. The weather was on our side, so we were able to run and admire the scenery quite well. I want to congratulate the organizers for the smooth running of this event. And last but not least, I want to thank Mr. Stefan Sălăgean for his support and help in getting to this wonderful race.
Florin Guț
Winner of the 11 km Cross country race 2021
I had been to Roșia Montană before, but as a tourist. I really liked the area, mainly because it is full of under-promoted history, and because it was - and still is - a less-traveled area. I promised myself at the time that I would return sometime. This "sometime" came when it was needed: I returned to Roșia Montană to take part in a competition I didn't know much about, and maybe it was for the best. I arrived, I ran, I left. But leaving was difficult. It was difficult because I discovered a very well organized competition, in which it was obvious to me that a lot of heart had been put into it. It was difficult because the people who bring this competition to life have created for us, the participants, an extraordinary atmosphere and a special closeness... like a family. And it was also difficult because at Roșia Montană I felt as if time stood still. And in these times, we live in – when today is Monday and tomorrow is Sunday - we need from time to time to ... stay.
Vlad Tănase
runner at the Arctic Circle Ultramarathon
For me it was a very nice experience. It was the first competition in Romania after a few years of absence. The route was amazing. The area itself is amazing, the people are nice and warm. Kudos to the organizers for all they have done, it is a growing contest and I hope from the bottom of my heart that it will grow every year. Of course, for me it was an honor to run with our last Olympic champion Constantina Diță. I wear your jersey with pride almost every competition I go to abroad. I look forward to coming back this year.
Simona Kadas
national and international medal-winning athlete
In 2018, I participated in the Rosia Montana Marathon for the first time, and it left a profound impression on me. As I strolled along Main Street, it became evident that this event transcends mere organization for runners; it is devoid of any commercial motives on the part of the organizers. The competition is a dedicated effort for Roșia's sake, aiming to infuse vitality into these locales with a rich heritage that deserves global recognition. Despite encountering some organizers for the first time, I felt a sense of belonging, as if part of a large family during the competition. The entire event, from the well-prepared entry kit to the activities surrounding the race, is generously orchestrated.
The nearly 44km route, featuring a predominantly straight and runnable course with a few exceptions, became a highlight due to the ascents of Detunata Golașă, offering a breathtaking view, and the climb after Tăul Mare. Rain in the days leading up to the race made mud unavoidable in many forest and village passages, challenging our comfort zones. However, this element urged us to pay closer attention to the route and appreciate the lush greenery and blooming nature during this period.
I appreciated the route design, particularly the segment around 32 km where we pass through the start area. The encouragement received at this point acts as a motivating force, propelling us to hasten our departure and return stronger and faster to the finish line. The terrain I traversed left me thoroughly impressed, and I hope this experience remains possible for many years to come.
Viorica Mălai
Marathon Winner 2018, 2019, 2022
I want to tell all runners to come to the Rosia Montana area and feel the nature. Once you meet horses, cows and other animals on the land of Rosia Montana, you will think not to disturb them. They are so relaxed in nature and I want to let them stay that way. You can also enjoy running on the historic golden mountains, you may feel something different from other lands. It's not just about history, they are living mountains. Let's keep them as they are, let's never allow human hands to change them.
Hiroko Ogawa
participant since the first edition of RMM
Last night, along the slopes, through your entrance I tread,
To behold your radiant visage, dear and sweetly spread.
Last night, through the slopes, past your grand gateway I strode,
Witnessing you in the meadow, by fields gently bestowed.
My heart, behold the beauty that love does weave,
For as I live, its embrace I'll never leave.
My heart, behold the beauty that love does weave,
For as I live, from its allure, I'll never cleave.
Beautiful is Rosia Montana, strolling with a mountain maiden,
As the mist cascades over peaks, in morning's light laden.
Evenings filled with mirth, a campfire's gentle flame,
Joyous melodies, and myriad smiles, all proclaim.
Oh, my heart, in loop 2, life pulsates anew,
Compote and juice, peanuts, and jam in our view.
Compote and juice, peanuts, and jam, a sweet refrain,
Echoing the camaraderie of joy, again and again!
Cosmin Gabriel Bucerzan
RMM participant and Natural Rights Ambassador
We experienced a beautiful tale in Roșia Montană. Born long ago around a prosperous volcano, the places revealed brilliance and wealth, along with temptations, ridges, threads, holes, craters, confusion, and a hazy stillness. The 2016 Roșia Montană Pachamama Marathon narrated the tale to all participants, with the sound of the alpenhorn, the rhythmic dance of the girls, Magda Puskas's young blackbird voice, Tică Darie's blond joy, Radu Cristi's watchful eye, and the heart of the organizers and volunteers. The runners journeyed back in time along the course of the red waters with their eyes on the route and on the glimmerless riches inscribed by Alexandra Postelnicu on the medals and our souls - love, joy, compassion, gratitude, happiness, forgiveness, peace, balance, friendship, rebirth.
Lăcrămioara Teodorescu
Half Marathon Winner 2016
