Since 2008, Bucharest has been on the list of major cities in the world where one of the most emblematic events for human will is organized. We are talking about the marathon race, the queen of athletics, which involves covering a distance of 42.195 kilometers.
Drivers, in order not to be nervous in traffic, can leave their personal cars at home during the weekend. PHOTO: Archive
Here, the Bucharest Marathon was first organized after the Revolution, but after a few editions, it was interrupted. Until, in 2008, the event was “resuscitated” by the former Olympic champion, Valeria Răcilă van Groningen (67 years old). Since then, the Bucharest Marathon has been on an upward trend. It is also proof that, according to the organizers, the places available for several races in this year’s edition have been sold out. So for this coming weekend, the 10k and 21k races are already sold-out. The last places available are for the marathon (42.195 kilometers) and 4X Relay Race events.
It should be noted that, this year, the competitive races will take place over two days. Specifically, according to the program posted by the organizers, on Saturday, October 12, the 10k race will start at 09.00. Then, on Sunday, October 13, the other tests will take place.
City celebration for them, nerves and swearing for us
Over the years, the Bucharest Marathon, as well as other similar races, which take place in the capital and in the cities of the province, have become more and more enjoyed by runners. This explains the fact that the number of such events, as well as the number of participants, are on an upward trend in our country.
Unfortunately, despite this progress, we are still light years away from what is happening in the rest of the world. Because, in our country, every race that leads to the restriction of road traffic – as will happen this weekend – is an occasion for nerves and swearing for weekend drivers. The causes of this phenomenon have been explained in detail by Adevărul here.
It should be noted that not only the big cities of the world are proud of street running races. Including North Korea (!), until they closed their borders due to the pandemic, organized the Pyongyang Marathon year after year. Which was very successful, with the participation of runners from all over the world.
The most prestigious marathon in the world is organized in Boston, in the United States. The first edition took place in 1897, 127 years ago! Nowadays, the event divides the city into two categories of people: those who run and those who come along the route to cheer on the runners. It is a beautiful landscape that, unfortunately, we will not reach even in the next many years.
The solution that would get rid of your nerves: leave the car at home!
Returning to the Bucharest Marathon, every year, the race is followed by an online riot. And, more and more, people complain that they didn’t know about the event. Although, every time, in the days before the races, the organizers announce the traffic restrictions, but also the alternative routes.
In recent years, another lie has appeared in the public space. There were people who complained that because of the running races, they couldn’t get to the hospital even though they had an emergency. There is no such thing since running tracks are provided with “emergency lane“. Where only those with real emergencies can drive. Not those who want to go shopping, for example.
There is also a very simple solution for those who want to be free from nerves, this weekend, on the occasion of the Bucharest Marathon. It consists in using public transport. On this occasion, Bucharest residents who normally travel with personal cars can discover the advantages of using the metro, for example. And they can enjoy outdoor walks while discovering the colors of autumn.
