Romania · Cluj County
Cluj EcoTrail Ultramarathon
Distance
50 km
Date
December 1, 2026
Entry fee
230 RON
€ / km
€0.92
Romanian early-winter city-to-trail race: forest climbs, fast sections, and a lively atmosphere.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
1720m
D+/KM
34.4m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
How Hard Is the Cluj EcoTrail 50km? (Elevation, Course Profile, and Winter Conditions)
Q: How hard is the Cluj EcoTrail Ultramarathon 50km? A: Accessible to experienced trail runners rather than elite-only. The course covers 50km (UTMB-measured 52km) with 1,720m of gain — approximately 34m per kilometre — and is described by the organisers as suitable for a first ultramarathon. The terrain is largely runnable forest trail with one main ascent to the Feleacu plateau. The challenge is primarily the December 1 conditions: sub-zero feel-like temperatures, muddy or icy forest trails, and potentially limited daylight for slower runners. Time limit is 9 hours.
Course Profile — From Cluj-Napoca to the Feleacu Plateau and Back
Q: Why is the Cluj EcoTrail held on December 1? A: December 1 is Romania's National Day — Ziua Marii Uniri (Great Union Day) — commemorating the 1918 unification of Transylvania with Romania. The race is held on this date every year, and each runner chooses to represent one of Romania's nine historic regions. In 2026 it will be the 9th edition.
€46 for a UTMB-Indexed 50km: Is Cluj EcoTrail the Best Value Ultra in Transylvania?
Q: How much does the Cluj EcoTrail 50km cost? A: 230 RON (approximately €46) at the standard price, valid until September 30, 2026. At €0.92 per kilometre, it is among the most affordable UTMB-indexed 50km races in the DTR database. Optional extras — T-shirt, socks, refund insurance — are each available for 19 RON.
December 1 in Cluj: What the Weather and Trail Conditions Actually Look Like
Q: How do I get to the Cluj EcoTrail start? A: Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) is 17 minutes from the race start at Baza Sportiva Gheorgheni by road — one of the shortest airport-to-start transfers in the DTR database. The city has excellent public transport (tram, bus, taxi). Accommodation is plentiful in Cluj-Napoca; book early as December can be busy.
Race files
Logistics
Nearest airport
Cluj-Napoca (CLJ)
Notes
Start: ~15–30 min / Public transport: excellent within city; easy tram/bus/taxi / Accommodation: plentiful hotels/apartments in Cluj; early Dec can be busy—book ahead
