The event was hosted by Run Transylvania, a group of highly professional and experienced active runners with profound knowledge in mountain and trail running, the perfect hosts for such a prestigious event.
Over 460 people signed up to put their running shoes to the test, in the picturesque city of Rasnov, on Saturday 27th August 2022. It was fantastic to see contestants from professional athletes and amateurs to children of all ages taking part in the day’s event. The Medieval Fortress set the perfect backdrop for the aptly named run and starred in the two main races, the half marathon and the crossroads run. Each race started and ended at Unirii Square in front of the city hall.
At 9am, 126 participants lined up at the start for the 25km half marathon. Once released the competitors raced along rocky paths, roads, up and down steep forest slopes in the Carpathian Mountains; and then tackled the stairs up towards the Medieval Fortress, where Medieval guards stood watch at the entrance, before coming back down to the finish line.
Images supplied by: Mihai & Aniela Stan
The crossroads runners were released at 9:30am, though the race was shorter at 12km, the terrain was no less challenging than the half marathon just on a smaller scale. The competitors faced a similar route, without going so far up into the mountains, but still had to face the stairs up to the keep on the hilltop before racing back down to cross the finish line.
There was a lively atmosphere on the day, especially when the children’s races took place. Kids participated in their different age groups, the youngest starting at ages 3-5 and ending with the 14 – 17-year-olds. Over 140 kids and young teens joined in on the fun, making it a perfect opportunity for families to get involved and support their young ones alongside the older ones taking part in the bigger races.
As the principal sponsors of the event, it was incredible to see our own team members get involved. 55 staff members joined us, whether it was taking part in the races or volunteering their free time to help organise the runners, handing out drinks at the hydration station or come for moral support. We’re proud of everyone who attended to make the day a great one.
Once the races were completed, it was time for the awards ceremony where our General Manager, Brian Howson, took centre stage. As a representative of Dexion, Brian handed out the prizes to the top three winners of each running category, offering them our congratulations on behalf of the company.
Brian Howson, General Manager at Dexion, commented after the success of the event: “We’re proud to be a part of this opportunity, promoting a healthy lifestyle for all ages and encouraging sport within the community. It’s wonderful that we can support health-oriented organisations to make a difference, especially one like this that helps young disabled children.”
The Rasnov Medieval Run not only brought people together, to keep active and take up the challenge of trail and mountain running but also supported a great cause.
The SVUC Association is a wonderful charity that ensures the care and increase the quality of life for disabled children through different means of therapy. They’re currently in the process of developing a new multidisciplinary Therapeutic Centre to help with children with neuromotor disabilities.
Thank you to everyone who got involved with this event, we look forward to participating in many more in the near future.