Autumn 2025 turns Bucharest into a sports stage with two major running events. For a few days, the city gives way to thousands of steps, either across its central boulevards or along its forest trails.

Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest City Marathon – October 11–12, 2025

This is Romania’s most important running event and one of the largest in Eastern Europe. Also known as the Bucharest International Marathon, it is certified by World Athletics and AIMS.

• Dates: October 11–12, 2025
• Location: start on Bulevardul Libertății (near Izvor Park), finish in Piața Constituției
• Races:
  • Marathon (42.195 km) – October 12, start 09:00, time limit 6 hours
  • Half marathon (21 km) – October 12, start 09:00, time limit 3 hours
  • Relay (4×10.5 km) – October 12, parallel with the half marathon
  • 10 km race – October 11, start 09:00, time limit 90 minutes
  • Fun run 2.5 km – October 11, open to amateur runners and families

Highlights:

• The course offers a full urban experience: passing through Piața Unirii, Piața Universității, Calea Victoriei, the Arch of Triumph, and finishing in front of the Palace of Parliament.
• It attracts thousands of international participants every year, acting as both a sporting and tourist landmark.
• Organizers provide extensive logistics: participation kits, hydration points, pacemakers, and cheering zones.

Băneasa Forest Run – November 2, 2025

A few weeks later, the focus shifts from the city center to its green outskirts. The Băneasa Forest Run is a trail race held in Băneasa Forest, bringing together both performance runners and amateurs looking for a nature experience.

• Date: November 2, 2025
• Location: Băneasa Forest, Aleea Privighetorilor area
• Races:
  • Half marathon (21 km) – two laps of the forest course
  • Cross-country (11 km) – mixed course on trails and dirt roads
  • Sprint (6 km) – a shorter, beginner-friendly option
  • Family Run (3 km) – easy race designed for parents and children

Highlights:

• The route includes uneven terrain, muddy patches, roots, and fallen leaves, adding technical challenges.
• It carries a strong community vibe, with a relaxed atmosphere, yet still offers timed races for those chasing performance.
• Participation is capped in each race to prevent congestion on the trails.

Two faces of the same capital

In October, Bucharest becomes a marathon city, with central streets closed off and filled with energy. In November, the scene shifts to the forest, where steps echo on leaves and trails. Two very different but complementary events: one symbolic for the city, the other essential for the trail-running community.

Together, they confirm that autumn 2025 will see Bucharest not just as a capital of traffic, but as a capital of movement.