Romania · Cluj County
Distance
50 km
Date
Entry fee
RON 230
€ / km
€0.92
Cluj EcoTrail 50km: Romania's National Day Ultra, Measured
Cluj EcoTrail Ultramarathon Ultra 50k is a 50 km trail race held on December 1, 2026 — Romania's National Day (Ziua Marii Uniri) — starting at 08:15 from Baza Sportiva Gheorgheni in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania. The course covers 50 km (UTMB measured: 52 km) with 1,720 m of gain (34.4 m/km), routing from the city through Borhanci orchards and Stana forest before ascending to the Feleacu plateau (highest point — ski resort and TV relay tower), then descending back to Cluj.
Entry costs €0.92/km (230 RON / €46). Cluj-Napoca Airport (CLJ) is 17 minutes from the start. The race is not sold out. With 322 finishers in 2025 drawn from 22 countries, it is the largest trail gathering of the year in Transylvania. Part of the UTMB Index; awards 2 ITRA points. Now in its 9th edition (founded 2018) with 7,000+ cumulative finishers, the Cluj EcoTrail is Romania's entry-level ultramarathon — accessible from a major city, on the country's most symbolic national holiday, with each runner representing one of Romania's nine historic regions. It suits runners targeting a first 50km ultra or an accessible city-adjacent trail race in early winter conditions.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
1,720m
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)
How hard is the Cluj EcoTrail Ultramarathon 50km?
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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.
Romania's National Day and the Cultural Story Behind the Cluj EcoTrail December 1 Race
Why is the Cluj EcoTrail held on December 1?
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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.
Affordable and UTMB-Indexed: How Much Does the Cluj EcoTrail 50km Cost
How much does the Cluj EcoTrail 50km cost?▼
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.
Getting to Cluj EcoTrail: Airport, Transport, and December Accommodation Tips
How do I get to the Cluj EcoTrail start?
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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.
Who Should Run the Cluj EcoTrail Ultra 50km?
Who Should Run the Cluj EcoTrail Ultra 50km?▼
Yes — the Ultra 50km is listed on the UTMB Index and awards 2 ITRA points. The 2025 edition had 322 finishers from 22 countries.
Cluj EcoTrail Ultramarathon – 50 km 50km GPX
Getting to Cluj EcoTrail Ultramarathon – 50 km
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
