Maratonul Olteniei

Maratonul Olteniei is an end-of-summer weekend of trail running and cross-country mountain biking in Râmnicu Vâlcea, now well into its second decade. Its spirit is all about doing sport with your crew: the organisers' line is that you come for the racing and stay for the gang.

The races start in Zăvoi Park and quickly leave town for the woods and pastures of the hills above the city, reaching Capela hill and its wide views. The bike course mixes forest climbs and descents with a few short push-your-bike pitches, while the trail runs switch from tarmac to forest paths after the first steep climb.

The event is organised by Distribuție Oltenia, part of the Evryo group, which every year doubles the entry fees and gives them to social causes in the local community.