Download GPX Track for 45km Marathon Track

Last GPX Track update: 20.08.2023

The much-anticipated marathon route is identical, in the first kilometers, to its smaller sibling, the half marathon. It starts in the village of Rimetea, crosses the impressive Piatra Secuiului, and after the descent, along a countryside road through a dreamlike landscape, meets the ruins of Colțești Fortress on the hillside. While here the half marathon runners turn right, the marathon route continues straight ahead, on a dirt road that turns into a trail, gently leading you close to the forest edge, offering a peaceful panorama above the village of Izvoarele.

This route will be a true geology lesson: it crosses the Cheile Plaiului Geological Reserve, a landscape shaped in limestone that gives the area a unique character, then passes through a river and a waterfall before climbing up to the Bedeleu Plateau. You pass through Rogoaze before being enveloped by the forest, and descending from Bedeleu you enter the speleological scientific reserve of Huda lui Papară Cave. Here you will stop, so that everything your eyes see can be fully absorbed by your soul: to the left, the Arieș River with Muntele Mare, and to the right, the steep Bedeleu cliffs.

The path leading to the Șipote Waterfall prepares you for the steepest climb of the entire course. A winding ascent through the forest, all the way up to the wooden balcony on Bedeleu. This fascinating and impressive viewpoint over the entire Arieș Valley will stay with you, peak by peak, when you later recall the marathon at Trascău Trail Run.

Through the forest, you return to Bedeleu, and the forest road brings you exactly to the same hydration point as the half marathon, Ardașcheia, with the final 7 km ahead back to the village.

It was worth every step, every climb, every drop of water, every peak seen and every path crossed, wasn’t it? 44 km with 3025 m elevation gain—this is every heartbeat in the rhythm of the Trascău Trail Run marathon.

• Distance: 45 km
• Positive elevation gain: 3000 m
• Altitude:
  • minimum: 517 m
  • maximum: 1215 m
  • average: 866 m
• Start / Finish: from the center of Rimetea village, near the fountain
• Hydration / aid stations:
  • 4 hydration/aid stations
  • 1 hydration/aid station at FINISH